'Supreme Council Candidate' Kim Yong: "A Red Warning Light Is On... The Democratic Party Must Accelerate Reform" [Ruling Party Convention Interview]

"Yeouido Logic" Is the Root of Division
Overcoming Internal Conflict Through Reform
Disappointing Local Election Results... Jeong Cheongrae Must Take Responsibility
Kim Minseok and Song Younggil Are Better Suited for Next Leadership

Kim Yong, former Vice Director of the Democratic Research Institute and a candidate for the Supreme Council election at the August 17 Democratic Party of Korea National Convention, has put forward 'party innovation' as a solution to internal conflict. On July 8, in an interview with The Asia Business Daily near Yeouido, Seoul, Kim explained the reasons behind his campaign pledge, which includes proposals such as limiting candidacy to no more than three consecutive terms in the same constituency.

Kim Yong, former Vice Director of the Democratic Research Institute, who is running for the Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is being interviewed by The Asia Business Daily at a cafe in Yeouido, Seoul. 2026.7.8 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

His innovation plan includes sensitive issues such as: ▲ a direct election system for proportional representation lawmakers by party members; ▲ reflecting party member evaluations in the nomination process; and ▲ establishing an independent 'Party Affairs Audit Office.' He said he included these measures because he believes endless division is caused by the so-called 'Yeouido grammar,' despite concerns from those around him that he could be eliminated in the preliminary race. Regarding his own legal risks, he stated, "I wanted to reappear only after my trial results were out," but added, "The results of the first nationwide election held just one year after coming to power are too disappointing, yet the party is not taking responsibility."

Kim, who is considered a close aide to President Lee Jaemyung, served as spokesperson for Gyeonggi Province and was known as 'the voice of Lee Jaemyung.' The following is an excerpt from the Q&A.

Kim Yong, former Deputy Director of the Democratic Research Institute, who is running for the Supreme Council Member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is giving an interview to The Asia Business Daily at a cafe in Yeouido, Seoul. 2026.7.8 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

-What is your reason for running?

▲ A red warning light is flashing for the Democratic Party. While the Lee Jaemyung administration has earned public support, it lost in the election. Even now, as the national convention is being held, there is ongoing conflict and attacks. I thought we needed to reflect the voices from the field, not just those from 'Yeouido.'

-What should be the role of the next leadership?

▲ Ensuring the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration. The political community must focus even more on achieving balanced national development and addressing the problems of low birth rates and an aging population through the three major mega projects. These efforts must be supported through both legislation and party organization.

-There is intense tension among the party leader candidates.

▲ We need to view this from an external perspective, but the focus is only on the aspect of holding power in the ruling party. Recently, there has been much talk about 'personal politics,' but every politician engages in personal politics. However, the goal must be for the public good.

-Who do you think is suitable as the next party leader?

▲ Former Prime Minister Kim Minseok or lawmaker Song Younggil are closest to the next leadership. Former party leader Jeong Cheongrae served as the Judiciary Committee Chair during the rebellion and spoke for justice at the Constitutional Court on behalf of the people, but I believe he bears unavoidable responsibility for the last election.

-What do you consider your greatest strength?

▲ It is the fact that I have always been on the ground. Last year, after being released on bail during the appellate trial, I wrote a book about my fight with the prosecution. Through book concerts, I listened to the voices of many party members and citizens.

-How can the party recover its support rating?

▲ The party's management methods must be made transparent. There must be institutional improvements, such as appointing an external figure as the Party Affairs Auditor, to fundamentally eliminate sources of conflict.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.