Gyeonggi governor apologizes to pro-Myung supporters, highlights housing plan aligned with central policy.

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon apologized on a Spix YouTube interview for not properly taking care of fellow members of the pro-Lee Jae-myeong camp who helped him win the 2022 governor’s race, saying he deeply regrets the lapse and wants to reflect and improve.

Kim, a former bureaucrat with 34 years in public service, said his political inexperience at the start of his term contributed to the problem, and he acknowledged failing to bring together volunteers who supported his campaign. He described his early tenure as a learning period and pledged to change his approach.

He noted that many supporters from Lee Jae-myeong’s camp assisted during his election, including Kim Yong, a former deputy head of the Democratic Research Institute, who served as chair on the election night. Kim said that moment was emotionally meaningful, and that he feels especially remorseful about not recognizing those who stood with him.

Addressing a perceived anti-Lee frame, Kim insisted he does not view himself as anti-Myung but as a “hard-working pro-Myung” ally. He said he joined forces with Lee Jae-myeong in the 2022 presidential race and has continued to support efforts to advance Lee’s presidential goals.

Kim also stressed his role in positioning Gyeonggi Province as a national policy partner that works in concert with the central government. He said the province has taken the lead to align provincial actions with national policy, highlighting recent steps in housing policy as evidence.

Following the central government’s real estate measures, Gyeonggi announced a plan to supply 800,000 housing units and launched investigations into price-fixing and Jeonse fraud. Kim argued these moves demonstrate the province’s willingness to act decisively in line with national priorities.

Looking at polling data, Kim attributed his high standing to perceived achievements in Gyeonggi over the last four years. He cited attracting more than 100 trillion won in investment over three years and portraying the province as a reliable problem-solver for residents.

His stated aim for the election cycle is to support the success of Lee Jae-myeong’s government. He argued that as the president embodies pragmatic, capable, and results-oriented leadership, there is a need for a governor who can effectively work with that administration to deliver on policy and economic outcomes.

Context for international readers: Gyeonggi Province surrounds Seoul and is a major economic engine in South Korea, hosting a large portion of the country’s manufacturing, logistics, and technology activity. Policies and investment decisions in Gyeonggi can influence supply chains, housing markets, and regional economic performance, with potential implications for multinational companies, including U.S. firms, operating in Korea or relying on Korean-made components and technology. The leadership dynamics involving Lee Jae-myeong and the Democratic Party also shape broader policy directions that affect Korea’s alliance, security posture, and regional economic competitiveness.