"Will Support Woo Sangho's Victory"...Lee Kwangjae Announces Surprise Withdrawal from Gangwon Governor Race

Announced Abruptly Through Social Media
Woo Sangho Says, "Thank You for Making a Difficult Decision"

On February 1, former Gangwon Province Governor Lee Kwangjae announced that he would not run for governor in the June 3 local elections, but would instead support Woo Sangho, former Senior Secretary for Political Affairs at the Blue House. Woo expressed his gratitude, saying, "I am thankful for the difficult decision he has made."

On the same day, through social media, former Governor Lee stated, "I will help Chief Secretary Woo Sangho win the Gangwon Province governor election," and added, "Rather than walking the path alone, I have chosen to walk it together." He explained that he reflected on "what is truly urgent" and "what should come first" at events such as the funeral of former Prime Minister Lee Haechan, and emphasized, "What is truly urgent now is not my personal future, but the nation. The local elections, held just one year after the inauguration of the Lee Jaemyung administration, must be won to ensure the country's stability." He further stated, "I will be the first to unravel the thread of unity," and pledged, "I will become a stepping stone on the road to victory."

Woo Sangho, Former Senior Secretary for Political Affairs at the Blue House Photo by Yonhap News

Polls had shown that former Governor Lee and former Senior Secretary Woo were neck and neck in the Gangwon Province primary. With Lee's sudden withdrawal, Woo has gained further momentum.

Lee, who also serves as the head of the Seongnam-gap district in Gyeonggi Province, said, "I will do my utmost to achieve victory both in Gangwon Province and Gyeonggi Province." He also expressed his determination, saying, "Just as President Roh Moo-hyun chose the more challenging path of running in Busan instead of the safer Jongno district, I, too, will choose the more difficult road."

Woo responded to Lee's statement through social media, expressing his gratitude. He said, "I know that Lee's decision to walk this path with me comes from his sincere desire for the success of the Lee Jaemyung administration, and I feel a heavy sense of responsibility." He added, "Because I know very well that this decision was by no means an easy one, I will never forget my gratitude and will live with the determination to repay it."