Kang Hoon-sik Holds Candidate Withdrawal Press Conference at National Assembly on 15th
Park Yong-jin Says "The Burden Has Grown Heavier," "The Primary Election Starts Now" Remarks
Candidates for the Democratic Party of Korea's party leader appealed for support from party members at the joint speech event for party leader and supreme councilor candidates held on the 14th at the CJB Convention Center in Cheongju, Chungbuk. From left: Lee Jae-myung, Park Yong-jin, Kang Hoon-sik (Photo by Yonhap News)
[Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] Kang Hoon-sik, a candidate for the leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea, withdrew from the race on the 15th. As a result, the Democratic Party leadership election will proceed as a two-way contest between candidates Lee Jae-myung and Park Yong-jin.
On the same day, Kang held an emergency press conference at the National Assembly and stated, "I am stopping my challenge for party leader today."
He continued, "I wanted to restore the basics and common sense within us that had collapsed and show the public a useful Democratic Party again. I wanted to straighten my posture and become the party leader who creates a Democratic Party that beats with passion again," adding, "Now, I will leave that task to the two candidates (Lee Jae-myung and Park Yong-jin) and return as a member to find a new path."
Kang also said, "Although my challenge for party leader ends here, the efforts and steps to make our Democratic Party a broader and stronger party, a younger and more competent ruling party, and an integrated party where diversity breathes and differences coexist must continue more busily and fiercely," emphasizing, "Whoever becomes party leader, I will devotedly support from the lowest position so that we can create such a passionate Democratic Party together."
As of the day before the Chungcheong regional primary ended, the cumulative vote shares of the party members were Lee Jae-myung (73.28%), Park Yong-jin (19.90%), and Kang Hoon-sik (6.83%), respectively.
After the press conference, when asked by reporters if he planned to form an anti-Lee alliance, Kang replied, "I have repeatedly said that the Democratic Party cannot be led by 'anti-Lee unification' alone. It is up to the party members and supporters who supported me to decide whom they will support going forward." He drew a line, saying there was no unification aspect to his withdrawal. He also explained that he did not have prior consultations with Park during this withdrawal process.
In response to Kang’s withdrawal, Park stated on his Facebook, "The burden has become heavier. Now the primary has shifted to a one-on-one contest," emphasizing, "I will run for 'useful politics' and the 'basics and common sense' of the Democratic Party. I will do my best so that the future generation, the 97 generation, can establish new leadership. I will take responsibility for the Democratic Party’s new decade together."
Park added, "Although the party convention is halfway through, more than 70% of all voters have not yet voted," and said, "The primary starts now."
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