Kim Kwan-young’s Disqualification Challenge Denied: What’s Next for Jeonbuk Politics?

Translation result

[Herald Economy = Reporter Shin Hye-won] Kim Gwan-young, governor of Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province, said on April 8 that, while disappointed, he will respectfully accept the court’s decision to dismiss his request to suspend the Democratic Party’s expulsion.

On Facebook that day, he said he had reflected deeply and expressed remorse for any conduct that may have been morally inappropriate.

He said that, as governor and as a party member, he is troubled that his participation in the primary was limited without a full opportunity to present his case and that voters’ choices were thereby constrained.

He added that, although the party has temporarily closed its doors to him, his commitment to Jeonbuk’s future and to its residents remains unchanged. He expressed confidence that party members and residents will preserve policy continuity and help the province move forward.

On the same day, the Seoul Southern District Court’s 51st Civil Division, presided over by Chief Judge Kwon Seong-su, dismissed both of Kim’s injunctions against the Democratic Party: one seeking to suspend the effect of his expulsion and another to halt the Jeonbuk governor primary procedures.

On April 1, the Democratic Party convened an emergency Supreme Council and expelled Governor Kim amid allegations that he distributed cash envelopes; Kim filed the injunction the following day.