Kim Dong-yeon, who was eliminated in the Democratic Party of Korea's main primary to select its Gyeonggi Province governor candidate on Wednesday, conceded defeat. He offered congratulations to the winner, Chu Mi-ae, and words of encouragement to fellow eliminated candidate Han Jun-ho.
After the primary results were announced, Kim posted on his social media account, "I humbly accept your choice." He added, "I, Kim Dong-yeon, fell far short. I will use this result as an opportunity for reflection and growth."
He told Chu Mi-ae, who became the Democratic Party's Gyeonggi Province governor candidate, "I sincerely congratulate you," and encouraged Han Jun-ho, saying, "You worked very hard."
Kim went on to say, "I pray that candidate Chu Mi-ae's dedication to the Lee Jae-myung government and Gyeonggi Province will shine."
He emphasized, "With a humbler posture and a more desperate heart, I will fulfill every responsibility given to me to the very end — for the Lee Jae-myung government, for the Democratic Party, and for the 31 cities and counties of Gyeonggi Province."
Kim expressed gratitude, saying, "I thank the volunteers who ran alongside me, the supporters who sent encouragement and cheers, and my beloved fellow party members."
He urged, "Our road has not ended. For the success of the Lee Jae-myung government, for the victory of the Democratic Party, and for the Gyeonggi Province we love, please continue to march forward with unwavering energy."
He concluded with a promise: "I, too, will walk that road together with all of you without wavering."
Meanwhile, Chu Mi-ae secured a majority of votes in the main primary, clinching the Democratic Party's Gyeonggi Province governor candidacy without a runoff.