Jeonbuk Gov. Kim Kwan-young to Run as Independent, Plans Preliminary Filing

Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Gov. Kim Kwan-young, who was expelled from the Democratic Party over allegations of handing out cash labeled as chauffeur fees, has decided to run as an independent.
 
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim’s aides told reporters on May 5 that he will hold a news conference at 10 a.m. on May 7 at the Jeonbuk Provincial Council to announce his independent bid. The event was initially planned for a lawn in front of the provincial government building but was moved after internal discussions, they said.
 
Kim is expected to explain his decision and release campaign pledges at the news conference.
 
At a briefing with reporters at the provincial government building on May 4, Kim said, “There is clearly anger among residents over Representative Jung Cheong-rae’s high-handedness and disregard for the people of the province, and there is a demand in this voting process to choose the governor with our own hands,” signaling he was leaning toward an independent run.
 
He plans to visit the Jeonbuk election commission on May 6 to register as a preliminary candidate.
 
As the incumbent governor, Kim would have his duties suspended under the Local Autonomy Act upon registering as a preliminary candidate, but he would not lose his post.
 
Kim was expelled from the Democratic Party on April 1 after controversy over a dinner last November attended by about 20 people, including members of the party’s Jeonbuk youth committee, where he allegedly distributed 20,000 to 100,000 won per person as chauffeur fees.
 
After investigating, the Jeonbuk election commission filed a complaint against Kim for alleged violations of the Public Official Election Act. Police have also questioned him as the investigation accelerates.