By Chung Min-uck
South Gyeongsang Governor Kim Du-kwan, often dubbed “little Roh Moo-hyun,” Thursday joined the main opposition Democratic United Party (DUP).
Kim left the Uri Party (later the DUP) in 2008.
“I have decided to join the DUP to help the liberal camp win the two key elections in 2012,”said Kim during a press conference in the National Assembly.
South Korea is to hold a general election in April and presidential elections in December this year.
Political pundits say the tactic of bringing back “Roh nostalgia” is behind Kim’s move. The followers of late President Roh Moo-hyun such as former presidential chief aide Moon Jae-in and the DUP supreme council member Moon Sung-keun earlier announced their candidacy in Busan. The port city is located next to the late President’s home city of Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province.
The Gyeongsang region is considered the conservative Saenuri Party’s traditional stronghold.
However, recent polls show that the DUP candidates, especially the Roh followers, are ahead in the race in the region.
Pundits say the opposition party is likely to gain an upper hand in the general elections by riding the so-called “Roh effect” in the ruling party’s home turf.
“Governor Kim’s membership will fan the mood for a change in Busan and South Gyeongsang,” said Han Myeong-sook, party chairwoman. “It is more meaningful as they are the key areas in winning the April general elections.”
Kim, a close confidant of Roh, earned the title “little Roh Moo-hyun” for having a similar humble background in the late President’s birthplace of South Gyeongsang.
The 53-year-old Governor served as chief of his hometown Namhae County from 1995 to 1998.
Kim was a key member in Roh’s campaign for the 2002 presidential election. After Roh took office in 2003, he was appointed the first Minister of Public Administration and Security.
In 2010 local elections, Kim was elected the Governor of South Gyeongsang Province.
During his speech on Thursday, Kim stressed the importance of the liberal coalition to win in the upcoming elections.
“Without the liberal coalition there will be no victory to celebrate in the two elections,” said Kim. “Consolidation is also important in running the government after taking power.”
The minister-turned-governor also called on the party to let its members who have been working hard on behalf of local districts play a bigger role in the party.
Under the Roh administration, Kim was at the forefront in decentralizing the government’s hierarchical top-down structure, one of Roh’s key reform drives.
Meanwhile, some speculate Kim has the intention to run for the presidency by helping the DUP in the parliamentary elections.
“It is true that there have been requests from the DUP and liberal groups for me to prepare for the presidency as I might have a chance after the parliamentary votes,” said Kim.