Former Ulsan Mayor Song Cheol-ho of the Democratic Party of Korea announced he will not seek reelection in the June local elections. His unexpected decision reshapes the party's mayoral primary into a three-way race.
Song held a press conference at the Ulsan Metropolitan Council Press Center on Monday. "After deep deliberation, I have decided to step down as a preliminary candidate for Ulsan mayor," he said. "As a senior who has served the Ulsan Democratic Party for 40 years, I will support the challenges of my juniors."
When he declared his candidacy last year, Song had expressed his commitment to correcting what he called the People Power Party's irresponsible response to the "insurrection" crisis. He also vowed to overcome challenges facing the floating offshore wind power project, a key initiative of his seventh popularly elected administration.
However, Song explained his withdrawal differently. "Many capable and competitive juniors have stepped forward in the Ulsan Democratic Party," he said. "I have confirmed they have sufficient ability to resolve local issues."
Asked whether he would endorse a specific candidate, Song declined. "Considering the Progressive Party, there will be multiple stages of primaries," he said. "It is desirable to hand over the opportunity to my juniors."
On the possibility of retiring from politics, Song said he would not run for elected office again. "I will contribute to the local community as a lawyer and support the development of democracy in Ulsan as a senior party member," he added.
With Song's withdrawal, the Democratic Party's Ulsan mayoral primary is now a three-way contest among Rep. Kim Sang-wook, Ahn Jae-hyun, former standing representative of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation's Ulsan Regional Committee, and Lee Sun-ho, former presidential secretary for local autonomy development.
"I hope an excellent candidate will be selected through a fair primary," Song said. "I will generously offer all my experience and capabilities to help secure victory in the general election."