5-term Won Yoo-chul, Not Running in General Election... "To Become a Catalyst for Victory" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the 21st, Won Yu-cheol, a member of the Future United Party, announced that he will not run in the general election.

In a statement released that day, Representative Won said, "In order to become a small seed for victory in the general election, I will not run in the 21st general election and will do my utmost for the victory of the Future United Party."

He emphasized, "The 21st general election is a very important election that determines the future and fate of the Republic of Korea," adding, "This is the reason why the newly reborn main opposition party, the Future United Party, must win."

Representative Won said, "If we can no longer stop the Moon Jae-in administration's tyranny in the April 15 general election, the future of the Republic of Korea will inevitably be bleak," and added, "As a member of the party leadership, I am not free from responsibility for the political situation where our party caused much disappointment to the people due to the failure in the 20th general election and the impeachment of the president."

He expressed regret, saying, "I am sorry to the citizens of Pyeongtaek and the people who have greatly helped me grow politically with excessive love despite my shortcomings," and stated, "The victory of the Future United Party is the victory of the Republic of Korea and the victory of Pyeongtaek."

It appears that the recent risk of losing his parliamentary seat also influenced his decision not to run. Earlier, Representative Won was sentenced to 10 months in prison and fined 900,000 won on charges including bribery and mediation under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes and violations of the Political Funds Act. If confirmed, he will lose his parliamentary seat.