[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] Former Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Boo-kyum, who is running for party leader, announced on the 5th that he would "honor the intentions of Hong Young-pyo and Woo Won-shik, who declared they would not run." Earlier, Woo declared on the same day, "In this extraordinary situation, it is time to step back and cooperate rather than engage in fierce competition," announcing his withdrawal from the party leadership race.
On the same day, former lawmaker Kim said on Facebook, "The two lawmakers, Hong Young-pyo and Woo Won-shik, who had intended to run, withdrew their intentions the day before yesterday and today, respectively. They are more outstanding politicians than I am. But since they have stepped back like this, I feel truly embarrassed," he said.
He added, "Lawmaker Hong earnestly hoped that this party leadership election would become a precious stepping stone for the reestablishment of the administration. I will keep that wish and hope in mind." Regarding lawmaker Woo, who expressed concerns about the overheating of the party leadership election, he said, "That concern is also mine, and the support for it is the dream of a 'greater Democratic Party' that I want to achieve."
He continued, "I dare to carry on the meaning contained in the decision made by the two for the success of the Moon Jae-in administration and the reestablishment of the administration," emphasizing, "I will lead the party leadership election as a competition of values and policies."
He added, "Honoring the intentions of the two, I will do my utmost to make this party leadership election a grand festival."
The Democratic Party leadership election was expected to be a four-way race among lawmakers Lee Nak-yeon, Woo Won-shik, Hong Young-pyo, and former lawmaker Kim Boo-kyum. However, with Hong and Woo each declaring their withdrawal, the next Democratic Party leader race has narrowed down to a two-way contest between former lawmaker Kim and lawmaker Lee.
Lawmaker Lee is scheduled to announce his candidacy on the 7th, and former lawmaker Kim on the 9th.
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