Kim Kwangman, Liberty Unification Party Asan Mayor Candidate, Withdraws Resignation

"A Wrong Decision... My Sincere Apologies"

Freedom Unification Party candidate Kim Kwangman is announcing his withdrawal at his campaign office on the 25th.

Kim Kwangman, the Liberty Unification Party candidate running in the upcoming Asan mayoral by-election in South Chungcheong Province on July 2, has reversed his decision to withdraw from the race.

On the 28th, he stated in a press release, "I deeply apologize for causing great disappointment and hurt with my wrong decision to the party members who embraced me with love and to all the families who have been on the ground with me. Everything happened due to my own shortcomings."

He explained the reason for his reversal, saying, "Although I thought about letting go of everything, I could not ignore the support and wishes of the party, my supporters, and the citizens, so I have decided to stand up once again."

He added, "I will devote myself fully to building an Asan where all Koreans want to live," and appealed for support by saying, "I hope you will take my hand and embrace me with love one last time."

Previously, on the 25th, Kim held an emergency press conference at his campaign office and announced his withdrawal from the race and his retirement from politics.

He stated, "I withdrew because I felt ashamed and miserable. I did not consult with anyone," adding, "I will support a candidate who gives hope to farmers."

Regarding this, the South Chungcheong branch of the People Power Party said in a statement, "We accept Kim's anguish with solemn respect and honor his decision," adding, "We respect your determination and will sufficiently incorporate your pledges and vision into the People Power Party's platform."

Jo Deokho, the Saemirae Democratic Party candidate, also said in a statement, "I pay tribute to Kim's courageous decision," and added, "As a candidate who gives hope to farmers, I will carry on that spirit."

Meanwhile, Kim has not yet submitted a withdrawal form to the Asan City Election Commission. It is reported that the commission has already printed and is keeping the official ballots with Kim included.