Yang Hyang-ja, the People Power Party candidate for Gyeonggi Province governor, conceded the election on Tuesday and expressed gratitude and apologies to residents of the province.
In a statement released around 11 p.m. as her rival, Choo Mi-ae of the Democratic Party of Korea, was projected to win, Yang said, "I humbly accept the will of Gyeonggi residents shown through today's vote." She added, "The will of the people is always right."
"I fell short in many ways," Yang said. "I extend my deepest gratitude to my campaign colleagues who worked day and night during the election period, to People Power Party members, and to the campaign workers who devoted themselves behind the scenes."
"In particular, I bow my head and sincerely thank the residents of Gyeonggi Province for the love and lessons they so generously gave me," she said. "Those who supported me did their best. The responsibility lies solely with me as the candidate."
Yang also extended congratulations to Choo, the projected winner.
"I offer my congratulations to candidate Choo Mi-ae," she said. "I earnestly ask her to use the time of fierce competition and debate as a foundation to focus on a provincial administration that looks only to the residents, and to strive for a united Gyeonggi Province."
She also said she applauded the other candidates who ran in the race: Cho Eung-chun of the Reform Party, Hong Seong-gyu of the Progressive Party, and Kim Hyun-wook of the People's Alliance.
"This challenge ends here, but wherever I am, I will do my best for a better Gyeonggi Province and a greater Republic of Korea," Yang said. "Once again, I deeply thank you for the undeserved love you have given me."
She concluded her concession message with the words, "Thank you. I love you. I am sorry."
