Park Jumin, Seoul Mayor 'Not Running' "Will Do My Best Like a Candidate"

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] On the 20th, Park Jumin, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, said, "I have decided not to run in the upcoming Seoul mayoral by-election."

In a post on Facebook that morning, Park stated, "Although I will not be running, I will do my best to achieve victory as if I were a candidate."

Park said, "I want our party to play a bigger role in improving the lives of our neighbors, looking ahead with a longer and bolder perspective. Therefore, I have decided not to run in this Seoul mayoral by-election."

He added, "I deeply engrave the will of the people who gave us 176 seats in my heart. Creating a new society suitable for this era of transition is what makes my heart race and is the reason I engage in politics. During my short five years in politics, I have always focused on what I should and can do rather than on what position I hold."

Park also said, "Nevertheless, I know better than anyone how important winning this by-election is for our party," and added, "I will fulfill my role wherever I am to create a country without 'forgotten people' amid Korea's generational change and crisis."