Kim Kwan-young, governor of North Jeolla Province, who was expelled from the Democratic Party amid allegations he distributed cash purportedly to cover driver fees, has decided to run as an independent.
His office told reporters on the 5th that he will hold a press conference at 10 a.m. on the 7th at the North Jeolla Provincial Council to formally announce his independent bid. The event had originally been planned for the lawn in front of the provincial government building but was moved after internal discussions.
Kim is expected to explain his reasons for running as an independent and to unveil his campaign pledges at the press conference.
At a press briefing at the provincial office on the 4th, he said residents are clearly angry about Rep. Jeong Cheong-rae’s heavy-handed approach and perceived disregard for local residents, and that there is demand for voters to choose the governor \”with their own hands\” — remarks that suggested he was leaning toward an independent run.
He plans to visit the North Jeolla Election Commission on the 6th to register as a preliminary candidate.
As the sitting governor, Kim will not lose his office by registering; under the Local Autonomy Act, his duties will be suspended while he is a preliminary candidate, but he will retain the position.
The controversy stems from a dinner last November attended by about 20 people, including youth committee members of the Democratic Party’s North Jeolla chapter, where Kim reportedly handed out 20,000–100,000 KRW (approximately $15–$75 USD) per person as driver fees. The party expelled him on the 1st of last month. (20,000–100,000 KRW ≈ $15–$75 USD)
After investigating the incident, the North Jeolla Election Commission filed a complaint against Kim for an alleged violation of the Public Official Election Act. Police have also summoned him and are accelerating their probe.
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