[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jun-gyeong] Ahead of the June 4 local elections, Lee Hyuk-je, a Jeonnam Provincial Assembly member, announced on the 30th that he will run as an independent candidate for the provincial assembly.
On the same day, Assemblyman Lee posted on Facebook, “As a member of the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Education Committee, I want to achieve more results for Mokpo education, so I registered yesterday as an independent preliminary candidate for the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly.”
He said, “I am worried that my declaration to run as an independent might cause concern among my colleagues in the Democratic Party. I hope my colleagues will prioritize the party over personal interests and work for the Democratic Party’s victory, and I will not feel hurt by this,” adding, “I want to express my apologies and gratitude to my family who agreed with this difficult decision.”
Lee, who left the Democratic Party on July 12 last year for personal reasons, had said he would “announce his position soon” regarding his candidacy for Mokpo’s 4th electoral district, leading to widespread speculation in the area that he would run as an independent.
He explained his reason for running as an independent, saying, “After leaving the Democratic Party, I intended to quit politics, but my body reacted first as I had been directly or indirectly involved in the last two elections and the elections held every two years. Although there are limitations to running as an independent, I decided to run because I believe there is still work to be done for the development of Mokpo and education.”
He added, “Last year, many accumulated pains erupted all at once. Due to physical and emotional wounds, I wanted to give up everything. However, with the mindset of doing my best in the remaining legislative activities, I completed the agreement for the (former) Cheongho Middle School Complex Education and Culture Facility and the approval for the establishment of the Jeonnam Early Childhood Forest Experience Center.”
He continued, “Over the past four years, I realized that experience and expertise are the most important qualities in the political world,” and added, “I went through many trial and errors during my first legislative activities.”
He concluded, “Not everyone will be able to smile in this election, but I hope for good results. I will also do my best.”
In Mokpo’s 4th electoral district, a fierce battle is expected as political newcomer Choi Jeong-hoon has secured the Democratic Party nomination, while incumbent Assemblyman Lee Hyuk-je, who left the Democratic Party, is challenging for re-election as an independent candidate.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
