Independent lawmaker Kim Sang-wook, who left the People Power Party, declared on the 15th that he would support Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung.
Lawmaker Kim held a press conference at the National Assembly that day and noted, "Even according to conservative standards, he is the most conservative candidate." He also said, "I judged that he is a candidate who upholds the intrinsic values and principles of society, possesses inclusiveness and dignity, and has a strong sense of patriotism."
He added, "This president must be a successful president who transcends factions," stating, "Therefore, we need a proven president who can get things done." He further remarked, "This candidate alone presents an agenda for national integration beyond factional logic and has the willingness and ability to solve the national tasks we face, thus I believe this candidate is the right person for the 21st presidency."
Lawmaker Kim also stated, "This candidate has proven various intrinsic capabilities through successfully achieving administrative stability and policy innovation as mayor of Seongnam and governor of Gyeonggi Province, advancing reforms in commercial law to attempt to modernize the financial market, and systematically responding to the chaos while making efforts to alleviate people's livelihoods during the 12·3 upheaval."
Lawmaker Kim was elected in the 22nd general election after receiving exclusive nomination from the People Power Party in Ulsan Nam-gu Gap. After the 12·3 martial law incident, he received recommendations to leave the party from the party leadership due to actions contrary to party lines on major issues, including the impeachment of former President Yoon Seok-youl. Then, on the 8th, he left the party, stating, "I will walk the path of true democratic conservatism, not extreme right or reactionary conservatism."