"Facing a Primary Against Someone on Sexual Harassment Trial"... Former People Power Party Lawmaker Kim Jeong-gwon Withdraws from Uiryeong County Governor Preliminary Race

Former National Assembly Member Kim Jeong-gwon.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] Former National Assembly member Kim Jeong-gwon of the People Power Party announced his withdrawal from the primary race for the Uiryeong County governor candidate in the June nationwide local elections and resigned from his preliminary candidacy.

On the afternoon of the 3rd, former Assembly member Kim stated, "Competing in a primary against a candidate who is currently on trial for sexual harassment is not right for the residents," adding, "It also does not align with the fairness and common sense of the new government launching on the 10th," explaining his reason for withdrawal.

The People Power Party's nomination management committee confirmed the preliminary candidates for the Uiryeong County governor primary as former Assembly member Kim Jeong-gwon, former provincial council member Seo Jin-sik, and the current county governor Oh Tae-wan, who has been indicted on sexual harassment charges.

Earlier, at Kim's request, the nomination committee conducted a reconsideration, but the primary candidates remained unchanged.

Former Assembly member Kim Jeong-gwon criticized, "One year ago, the People Power Party, which criticized the Democratic Party's power-type sexual crimes and shamelessness, has allowed a person indicted and currently on trial for sexual harassment to participate in the primary despite opposition from women's organizations in Gyeongnam and numerous figures."

He added, "I cannot hide my shame as a party member standing before the residents of the county and province, due to the party's double standards and shamelessness."

He bowed his head to apologize on behalf of the party to the victims, women's organizations, and residents who have fought against power-type sexual crimes.

Former Assembly member Kim said, "Although I am withdrawing as a preliminary candidate, I will continue to consider what I can do for Uiryeong," and expressed gratitude for the support he has received so far.