The Democratic Party of Korea nominated Kim Kyeong-soo, presidential commission Chairperson for the Era of Local Autonomy, as its sole candidate for South Gyeongsang governor in the June 3 local elections. Kim was dismissed from the chairperson post.
Kim I-su, Democratic Party Central Nomination Management Commission Chairperson, said at the National Assembly on the 5th in announcing the nomination screening results, "We have nominated Chairperson Kim as the sole candidate for South Gyeongsang governor," adding, "Candidate Kim, who has kept the Democratic Party's flag aloft in South Gyeongsang, has experience successfully leading provincial administration."
He added, "With the launch of the Lee Jae-myung administration, he served as chairperson for the Era of Local Autonomy, and his understanding of regional development is also top-tier," explaining, "We concluded that Candidate Kim is highly suitable as the right person to lead the era of five megaregions and three special zones."
Candidate Kim became the Democratic Party's "third sole nomination" pick. After the commission's announcement, Democratic Party leader Jung Chung-rae personally helped Kim put on a blue jumper and congratulated him.
Regarding the sole nominations, Jung said, "No. 1, Woo Sang-ho for Gangwon governor; No. 2, Park Chan-dae for Incheon mayor; followed by Candidate Kim, who has been finalized as the nominee for South Gyeongsang governor and will run," adding, "I believe all three are sure-win cards that must prevail in the local elections to reflect the spirit of the times—success for the Lee Jae-myung administration."
He went on, "Candidate Kim was the last presidential secretary of the participatory government who assisted the late President Roh Moo-hyun at close range," emphasizing, "I think we can proudly say our party's nominee is the optimal and best candidate for the development of South Gyeongsang."
Attending the commission's announcement in person that day, Candidate Kim said, "I received a lot of advice asking whether I would enter the National Assembly through a by-election, but region-led growth began with former President Roh Moo-hyun and the participatory government, and for me, who has not let go of balanced development policy to this day, it is like a fated assignment."
He added, "I feel apologetic for not completing the gubernatorial term to the end, and I will surely keep the promise to stay with the people of South Gyeongsang to the end," saying, "There have been many calls to revive the experience from when I took charge of the South Gyeongsang local government in 2018 and change South Gyeongsang again, so I decided to return."
Candidate Kim was elected South Gyeongsang governor in the 2018 local elections, but in 2021, his two-year prison term was finalized over the so-called "Druking comment manipulation case," costing him the governorship. After serving his sentence, he returned to politics following a special pardon in 2022 and the restoration of his rights in 2024.
Regarding the "Druking case," Candidate Kim said, "It is regrettable that, for any reason, I did not complete the gubernatorial duties to the end and interrupted the provincial administration," adding, "Regardless of the truth, I am deeply sorry and apologetic."