[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-joo] Former lawmaker Kim Sung-tae, who was named head of the Vocational General Headquarters at the People Power Party’s Central Election Countermeasures Committee, announced on the 27th that he would voluntarily step down. Although Kim was acquitted in the first trial on charges of his daughter’s unfair hiring, he was found guilty in the second trial, leading to criticism that his joining the election committee was inappropriate.
On the same day, Kim posted on his Facebook, stating, "After deep consideration that my personal issues might cause harm to the party and the candidate, I have decided to resign from my position as head of the Vocational General Headquarters and to serve the party with a spirit of putting the party before myself for our party’s victory."
He added, "During my time as floor leader, I secured the 'Druking special prosecutor' and achieved the result of publicly exposing the Moon Jae-in administration as a regime manipulating online comments. However, personally, my entire family and I had to endure a harrowing and painful time due to ugly political retaliation. Although the court’s final verdict has not yet been issued, the public remains concerned about the incident caused by my shortcomings and faults. Above all, I cannot hesitate any longer because I must not allow the great intentions of candidate Yoon Seok-youl, who carries the hopes of the people, to be misunderstood because of me," explaining the reason for his resignation.
He also said, "I am grateful that the candidate reaffirmed his trust in me yesterday, but I ask for deep understanding that I have come to this decision out of sincere conviction that my issues must not cause any harm to the presidential race," and added, "Although I am stepping down now, if this helps our party take one step closer to victory, I will be happy with that."
He also apologized to the youth. He said, "Above all, I bow my head and deeply apologize to the 2030 youth generation who may have been hurt because of me," emphasizing, "Candidate Yoon Seok-youl and our party will faithfully fulfill the mission of winning the presidential election and changing the regime entrusted by the people. We will create a victorious presidential election, a presidential election that must be won."
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