[Herald Economy=Reporter Jeong Ho-won] Expelled from the Democratic Party over allegations he distributed cash under the guise of substitute-driver fees, Jeonbuk Governor Kim Kwan-young said on the 5th that, after lengthy deliberation, he will run as an independent. He now faces a triple burden: expulsion, an ongoing investigation, and a special prosecution.On the 5th, Yonhap reported that Kim’s team said it will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. on the 7th at the Jeonbuk Provincial Council to announce his independent candidacy. The campaign initially planned the briefing on the lawn in front of the provincial office but moved it after internal discussions. Kim intends to explain his reasons for running and unveil his platform at the event.
Kim’s break with the party had been anticipated. At a press briefing at the provincial office on the 4th, he openly criticized Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae for what he described as authoritarian conduct and disregard for residents, and he said voters insist on choosing their governor directly — statements that indicated he was leaning toward an independent bid.
He plans to visit the Jeonbuk Election Commission on the 6th to register as a preliminary candidate. Under the Local Autonomy Act, registration suspends official duties associated with the campaign, although he will technically retain the governor’s office.
Kim’s camp said, “After weighing whether to run as an independent, he has finally made up his mind and entered the race. With little time left until the main election, he intends to convey his sincere commitment to Jeonbuk residents.”
Having lost his Democratic Party membership — a significant political asset — Kim also faces legal exposure. At a dinner last November attended by roughly 20 people, including youth committee members of the party’s Jeonbuk chapter, he distributed 20,000–100,000 KRW per person as substitute-driver fees (approximately $15–$75). That episode prompted his expulsion from the party on the 1st of last month. After investigating, the Jeonbuk Election Commission filed a complaint accusing him of violating the Public Official Election Act, and the police have summoned him as they advance their probe.
Another major variable is an alleged charge of “assisting insurrection” that the second special prosecution team is examining. Lee Won-taek, the Democratic Party’s candidate for Jeonbuk governor, has accused the provincial government of cooperating with martial-law forces — including closing provincial offices — during the emergency martial-law measures on Dec. 3, 2024.
Kim has staked his political future on his response, declaring, “If the special prosecution indicts me, I will immediately retire from politics.” Observers will be watching whether his gamble to run as an independent can withstand the legal jeopardy and the Democratic Party’s potential strategy of fielding a spoiler candidate, and whether it can carry him to re-election.
