No Incumbent Defections in Ruling Party... Lee Chae-ik, Who Hinted at Independent Candidacy, Suddenly Withdraws

Holding a Press Conference at the National Assembly and Changing Position
Declining to Run for Ulsan Nam-gu Gap Designated as 'National Nomination'
"I Will Set an Example of Putting the Country Before Myself This Time"

Lee Chae-ik, a People Power Party (PPP) lawmaker who had mentioned running as an independent candidate, announced on the 11th that he would not run. Lee, representing Ulsan Nam-gu Gap district, hinted at leaving the party after his district was designated as a PPP nomination target area, effectively cutting him off from the nomination.

At a press conference held at the National Assembly on the same day, Lee said, "I have never left the party even once, and the People Power Party has been my everything," adding, "After much deliberation, I have decided not to run in the general election."

Lee Chae-ik, member of the People Power Party. [Photo by Yonhap News]

During the press conference, Lee apologized to party members, saying, "I am sorry to my party comrades for posting content that implied running as an independent," and added, "I will set an example of putting the party before personal interests through this incident."

Earlier, on the 5th, when his district was designated as a PPP nomination target, Lee posted on social media, "The People Power Party has abandoned me. Even if I leave for a while, I will return victorious," announcing his intention to run as an independent.

Lee emphasized, "I will do my best in any position for the success of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration and the PPP's victory in the general election," and added, "Once the Nam-gap nominee is confirmed, I will spare no effort to unite and ensure their election."

So far, there have been no cases of incumbent PPP lawmakers leaving the party in protest during this nomination process.