Kim Doo-gwan to announce presidential bid in July

“The opposition camp must prevent the conservatives from winning power in the upcoming presidential elections, after they promised to realize regime change,” said Kim in an interview with an MBC radio program.

“Even though there are many presidential aspirants, none represents the perspectives of the socially and economically disadvantaged people or the plight of second-class citizens. No candidate has made pledges or set a clear vision for those people whom they ought to speak for,” Kim said.

His statement came amid allegations that there is currently no competitive or potential candidate in the liberal camp who can compete against the ruling Saenuri Party.

He went on to mention the regional polarization between metropolitan and provincial areas, as well as the widening gap between the haves and have-nots.

For the time schedule of his announcement, he explained that he will remain responsible for provincial administration at least until the end of June, and he is taking a business trip to China regarding essential investment for South Gyeongsang Province.

“I must finish my duties, and when I make a decision about presidential candidacy for the December election, I will resign as governor, of course,” he said.

Regarding his political stance as pro-Roh Moo-hyun, the late liberal president, he confirmed that he follows Roh’s values and ideas but he would not confine himself to this faction.

He indicated he would differentiate himself from Rep. Moon Jae-in, the presidential hopeful of the main opposition Democratic United Party (DUP) and leader of the pro-Roh faction.

The 51-year-old has been dubbed “little Roh Moo-hyun,” due to a common career background, since he won the gubernatorial race in South Gyeongsang, home turf of the governing Saenuri Party.

Meanwhile, among potential presidential contenders Park Geun-hye is maintaining her position as a frontrunner with support of 40.4 percent followed by Ahn Cheol-soo with 22.1 percent and Rep. Moon with 13.8 percent, according to a survey conducted by pollster Realmeter.

Kim only has support of 2.2 percent. <Korea Times/Kim Doo-gwan>

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