"I Will Support a Candidate Who Gives Hope to Farmers"
On the 25th, Kim Kwangman, the Asan mayoral candidate of the Liberty Unification Party, announced his withdrawal.
Kim Gwangman, the Liberty Unification Party candidate who had declared his candidacy for the Asan mayoral by-election in South Chungcheong Province scheduled for the 2nd of next month, announced on the 25th, "I am withdrawing from the race and retiring from politics."
He held an emergency press conference at his campaign office that morning, stating, "As of today, I officially declare my withdrawal from the by-election," and added, "I also intend to end my political career."
He continued, "I am stepping down because I feel ashamed and miserable. I did not consult with anyone," explaining, "I have concluded that there is no meaning in continuing my political activities like this."
He went on to say, "I apologize to former candidate Lee Gyosik and former chairman Yoo Gijun, who supported me after I left the People Power Party," and added, "I am resigning from my position as the Liberty Unification Party's supreme council member today, but I will consider my departure from the party a bit longer."
Regarding his endorsement, he said, "I have not met with any candidate yet, but I intend to support a candidate who gives hope to farmers."
With Kim's withdrawal, the by-election will now be contested among Oh Sehyun of the Democratic Party of Korea, Jeon Mankwon of the People Power Party, and Jo Deokho of the New Future Democratic Party.
Early voting will take place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the 28th and 29th, and the main voting will be held from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the 2nd of next month.
The vote counting will begin immediately after the polls close, and the winner will assume the mayoral office as soon as the results are confirmed.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
