Expelled governor to run as independent in North Jeolla

Kim Kwan-young, governor of North Jeolla Province, will run as an independent in the June 3 local elections after being expelled from the Democratic Party of Korea over a designated driver payment controversy, officials said. His decision sets up a direct race with the party’s nominee, Lee Won-taek, and is expected to shake up the contest.

Provincial officials said May 3 that Kim has made up his mind and will formally announce his candidacy on May 6. Under election law, lawmakers must resign by May 4 to run, but sitting local government heads can seek reelection without stepping down.

Kim was expelled April 1, hours after allegations surfaced that he paid about 910,000 won for designated driver services during a dinner with local youth late last year.

Lee faced separate allegations that roughly 700,000 won in meal expenses had been covered by a third party. The party’s ethics inspection unit cleared him, and he secured the nomination. Rep. Ahn Ho-young, who lost to Lee in the primary, staged a 12-day hunger strike calling for a reinvestigation, but party leaders declined. The dispute fueled calls in the region for Kim to enter the race as an independent.

Kim’s camp believes he can remain competitive without party backing. Critics within the party have pointed to what they see as inconsistent discipline, noting that Kim was expelled swiftly while Lee was cleared within a day. Kim’s team plans to highlight his policy agenda, including a bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics and efforts to attract 27 trillion won in corporate investment, including 9 trillion won from Hyundai Motor, as reasons to grant him a second term.


황형준 기자 suwoong2@donga.com