Park Yong-jin, Presidential Election Withdrawal... "Continuing Role in Party Harmony and Unity"

"Dedicating Myself to Finding My Role for Regime Change"

Former Democratic Party lawmaker Park Yong-jin, who was mentioned as one of the opposition's next presidential candidates, announced on the 6th that he will not run in the early presidential election.

On the same day, Park declared on his Facebook, "I will not run in this presidential election. After listening to many people's advice and much deliberation, I will dedicate myself to finding my role as an ordinary party member, not as a primary candidate, for the people's victory and regime change."

Former lawmaker Park Yong-jin is being interviewed by Asia Economy at the Gangbuk Future Research Institute in Gangbuk-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

He said, "I will add a clear voice for national unity, social justice, and economic growth so that the Democratic Party's victory in the early presidential election will not be a 'small victory' but a 'great victory' for all the people."

He added, "The only thing I fear the most is failing to unite the scattered hearts of the people and party members, thereby giving a chance for the pro-civil war forces to revive. It is time for everyone to join forces to prevent that from happening. I will continue to play a role in the party's harmony and unity."

Park stated, "As I sorted out my thoughts this time, I realized that courage to step back is as necessary as the courage to move forward. I send my support and gratitude to the precious leaders of the Democratic Party who will step forward and run for office for the party and the people."