'Exit Poll 1.3%' Falls Short of Expectations... Kwon Youngguk Says, "I Will Head Toward the Pain Again"

Exit Poll Result Falls Short at 1.3%
Promises to Lead Progressive Politics After Change in Government
Reaffirms Commitment to Representing the Marginalized

Kwon Youngguk, the Democratic Labor Party presidential candidate, stated on the 3rd, "I am determined to stand with those who have been excluded, those whose lives are being pushed aside, identities that are not recognized, and people who are poor and suffering."

Immediately after receiving the disappointing exit poll results from the three major terrestrial broadcasters on this day, Kwon shared on social media, "Workers, farmers, women, the self-employed, sexual minorities, people with disabilities, migrant workers, and climate justice. I will start again with those we must represent."

He continued, "I deeply appreciate the support you have given to Kwon Youngguk and the Democratic Labor Party," and added, "I will continue to move forward with strength. I will remain steadfast on the path I have walked."

Kwon Youngguk, presidential candidate of the Social Great Transition Presidential Coalition and leader of the Justice Party, is being interviewed by Asia Economy on the 2nd at an office in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

According to the exit poll results from the three major terrestrial broadcasters, Kwon received 1.3% of the vote. It is known that the Democratic Labor Party aimed for a 3% vote share in this presidential election, which is the threshold required to participate in televised debates in the next election.

In another social media post, Kwon stated, "According to the exit poll results, we did not meet our expectations," but added, "I believe the results were made possible by each and every precious vote gathered." He said, "The urgent need for someone to represent the voices of the socially disadvantaged, minorities, workers, and ordinary people after a change in government, and the questions of how our society should change and how our lives should evolve, were at least reflected in the votes we received." He continued, "I promise the people that progressive politics, which has always been at the forefront of building a Korea where we live together beyond discrimination and inequality, will continue to lead the way."

Kwon said, "All the words, hopes, pains, and hardships we heard during the campaign?our path lies within them," and added, "I will return to the streets. I will go to the field. I will head toward the pain."