Kim Min-seok, a former prime minister preparing to run in the Democratic Party leadership election, is expected to formally announce his candidacy as early as June 6 in the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City, according to sources. Gwangju Military Airport is being cited as a likely venue for the announcement.
According to political circles Wednesday, Kim is considering formalizing his bid for the party leadership around June 6 in the Democratic Party convention scheduled for Aug. 17. Kim's camp said, "The timing and location of the announcement have not yet been finalized," adding, "We will provide notice soon once they are confirmed."
Considering Gwangju Military Airport as the announcement venue is interpreted as a move to court public sentiment in Honam, a core support base of the Democratic Party, while also highlighting his commitment to actively supporting the Lee Jae-myung government's state affairs should he become party leader.
The Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City, launched June 1, is the first case of administrative integration under the balanced national development policy pursued by the Lee Jae-myung government. The Gwangju Military Airport site is also being reviewed as a candidate location for a semiconductor production facility (fab) linked to the government's "three major mega projects." President Lee Jae-myung also visited Gwangju Military Airport and toured the site on May 30, after completing his schedule at a national briefing on the vision for advanced industry development in the southwestern region.
After declaring his candidacy in Honam, Kim is also reportedly considering holding a separate campaign event that same afternoon at Gwanghwamun in Seoul.
