Han Jun-ho, who was eliminated in the main primary to select the Democratic Party of Korea's candidate for Gyeonggi Province governor on Wednesday, humbly accepted the result and expressed his resolve for future political endeavors.
In a statement released immediately after the primary results were announced, Han said, "I humbly accept the result. I was unable to advance to the runoff." He added, "I feel regret and I am sorry."
"The road to get here was not one I walked alone," Han said. "Starting from sixth place, I was able to make it this far because all of you stayed with me until the end." He added, "I will not forget the heart behind each and every vote," bowing to his supporters in gratitude for their encouragement.
Han expressed particular regret as he recalled the voices of voters he heard on the campaign trail. "The words I heard in the field — 'I just wish things would get a little better now' — continue to stay with me," he said. "What weighs on me the most is that I was ultimately unable to fulfill that wish." He added, "All shortcomings are my responsibility," pledging to "prepare more and work harder."
Han reaffirmed that the reason for his bid for Gyeonggi governor was "the success of the administration." He said, "There was only one reason I ran for the Gyeonggi governor election — the success of the Lee Jae-myung government. I will do everything I can from wherever I stand for that success."
"Whatever role I am given, I will fulfill my responsibility and repay with results," Han said. "I will pour everything I have into making President Lee Jae-myung recorded and remembered in history as a 'successful president.'"
Han also extended respect to his rivals, saying, "I congratulate lawmaker Choo Mi-ae and sincerely thank Governor Kim Dong-yeon."
"Although I stop here, the path I have confirmed is clear," he said. "The direction we walked together — I will stay with you to the end. Gyeonggi Province is South Korea. I will start again for that change."
Meanwhile, Choo Mi-ae secured more than half of the votes in the primary held the same day, confirming her as the Democratic Party's candidate for Gyeonggi governor without a runoff.