Kim Sangwook, an independent lawmaker who left the People Power Party, declared his support for Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, on May 15.
On this day, Kim held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Center and stated, "I believe that only candidate Lee is presenting an agenda for national unity that transcends factional logic, and that he has both the will and the ability to address the pressing national challenges."
Regarding candidate Lee, Kim said, "He is a candidate who upholds the intrinsic values and principles of society, which are conservative values, while also possessing inclusiveness, dignity, and a strong sense of responsibility. He is a candidate with a deep sense of patriotism," adding, "Even when evaluated by conservative standards, he is the most genuinely conservative candidate."
He further emphasized, "If we produce another failed president this time, the very existence of the Republic of Korea will be put at risk," and added, "The next president must be a successful president who goes beyond partisan divisions, which is why we need a proven president who can get things done."
Kim drew a clear line regarding immediate membership in the Democratic Party. He explained, "My declaration of support is separate from joining a political party or making decisions about my political path," and added, "I am approaching the issues of leaving the party, declaring support, and my future course of action as completely separate matters, handling each one carefully and in order, as if carrying out tasks."
However, Kim left open the possibility of joining the party in the future. He stated, "I will always consider what role I should play, even if my abilities are limited, so that candidate Lee Jaemyung will be recorded in history as a successful president," and added, "When cooperating, I will do so constructively and proactively; when criticizing, I will do so productively and rationally. I will always base my actions on what best serves the national interest."
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