Rep. Kim Byung-joo of the Democratic Party of Korea declared on the 22nd that he would abandon his bid for Gyeonggi Province governor. He cited the need to heal internal party divisions and contribute to victory in the June local elections.
At a press conference at the National Assembly, Kim stated, "As of today, I am setting aside my intention to run for Gyeonggi governor. I will dedicate myself to the party's victory with the attitude of a demoted general serving in the ranks."
"After my resignation from the Supreme Council, watching the chaotic situation within the party, I deeply reflected on whether my choice became a cause of confusion at a time when party unity matters most," he said. "I engrave in my heart once again that one's place in politics is determined not by the height of ambition but by the depth of responsibility."
Regarding the first-instance court ruling that sentenced former President Yoon Suk-yeol to life imprisonment, Kim emphasized, "The embers of insurrection continue to invoke 'presumption of innocence' while shaking the foundations of the Lee Jae-myung government and the Republic of Korea. I realized once again that where I need to be now is on the front line to end the insurrection."
He added, "If judicial justice cannot stand firmly on the trust of the people, the pillars of our democratic republic will inevitably shake. I will stand on the front line to complete this historic mission, not in a position preparing for a gubernatorial election."
"If I can serve as a foundation for victory in the local elections, I will gladly become a grain of wheat for party unity and solidarity, standing with party members," Kim said. "I earnestly hope my decision becomes a spark that leads to party unity and a fuse for victory that drives the Democratic Party to a landslide win in the upcoming local elections."