
By Marc Tracy from NYT Movies https://ift.tt/AWnhf6Q
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Kim Kyung-soo, the former governor of South Gyeongsang Province, has officially rejoined the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK). Party leader Lee Jae-myung welcomed his return, declaring his vision for a "bigger Democratic Party." However, this return is unlikely to be just a simple homecoming event. Given the subtle tensions between the pro-Roh (Roh Moo-hyun), pro-Moon (Moon Jae-in) factions and Lee Jae-myung's leadership, Kim’s comeback could introduce a new power dynamic.
Lee Jae-myung has had a complicated relationship with the pro-Moon faction within the party. During the 2021 presidential primary, he attempted to distance himself from the Moon Jae-in administration while still appealing to the party's dominant pro-Moon base.
After his 2022 presidential election loss, Lee strengthened his grip on the party, shifting its structure towards a pro-Lee Jae-myung (pro-Myung) system. However, the pro-Moon faction never completely disappeared. While figures like former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon left or remained silent, their influence lingered.
Kim Kyung-soo is a key ally of former President Moon Jae-in and previously served time for his involvement in the “Druking” comment manipulation scandal. Despite this, he still holds significant trust within the pro-Moon faction. His return could signal a resurgence of the pro-Moon base rather than just a personal political comeback.
For Lee Jae-myung, this may not be entirely welcome. Having emphasized party unity under his leadership, the emergence of a strong pro-Moon figure could challenge the current balance of power.
For now, Kim Kyung-soo remains cautious. He has dismissed speculation about forming a presidential campaign team, calling such discussions premature. However, political observers believe he could play a role in the next presidential race.
Commentator Yoo Si-min has suggested the idea of a “good second-place strategy,” implying that Kim should not directly confront Lee Jae-myung but instead build influence from within.
With the pro-Moon base still active, a solo move by Kim could deepen party divisions, further complicating the internal dynamics.
The impact of Kim’s return on Korean politics remains to be seen. What do you think? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 👇