Lee Jung-hyun Declares Withdrawal from Presidential Race... "Lack of Ability to Meet People's Expectations"

"We Must Use Any Means to Move the People Without Hesitation"
Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon Also Announces He Will Not Run

Former Saenuri Party leader Lee Jung-hyun announced on the 12th that he will not run in the presidential election.

In a statement released that day, Lee said, "I hereby withdraw my declaration to run for president," adding, "Instead, I will find someone qualified to be the national representative and gladly carry that person's caddy bag."

Former Saenuri Party leader Lee Jung-hyun. Asia Economy DB

Lee mentioned seven qualities necessary for the next presidential candidate, including experience in politics and on the international stage, and being a non-politician, then said, "I feel that I lack the ability to meet these public expectations."

He stated, "I deeply feel the sense of crisis that the country is standing at the edge of a cliff," and added, "If the People Power Party has emergency measures that can move the people, they must use them without hesitation. If 'I die and we live,' let us choose the path of dedication. I urge everyone to unite with a spirit of community."

Meanwhile, earlier that day, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon also held an emergency press conference in the morning and declared he would not run in the presidential election, saying, "To normalize the abnormal situation, I will serve as a catalyst by stepping down and supporting others."