Former Governor Kim Tae-ho: "This time, I cannot refuse the requests of my hometown people"... Firm on running in Sancheong, Hamyang, Hapcheon, and Geochang

Former Governor Kim Tae-ho of Gyeongnam Province. Photo by Yonhap News.

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Taeho reiterated his intention to run for the Sancheong, Hamyang, Hapcheon, and Geochang districts in Gyeongsangnam-do on the 6th, stating, "The public sentiment that Kim Taeho must uphold now is precisely the sentiment of his hometown."

On the same day, Kim posted on his Facebook, saying, "The party continues to request that I run in so-called 'difficult districts,' which are 'strategic strongholds.'"

He added, "I am not unaware of the party's difficult and precarious situation," but appealed, "Please listen to Kim Taeho's voice this time."

He said, "Throughout my political career, I have never left the party nor defied its demands," adding, "I ran in the 2011 Gimhae by-election and the 2018 Gyeongnam gubernatorial election. I ran even though I knew those elections were unwinnable. My decision not to run in the 2016 general election was also a sacrificial decision for the party."

Photo by Kim Tae-ho, former Gyeongnam Governor, Facebook capture

He continued, "While sacrificing and dedicating myself to the party, a heavy burden gradually accumulated in my heart," saying, "It was my hometown and its people who always lay like a rock in a corner of my heart. They embraced me like a mother when I was struggling and gave me the courage to run again," expressing his gratitude.

Kim, who is from Geochang, Gyeongnam, said, "Everyone I meet tells me, 'Gain strength from your hometown and do greater things for the development of your hometown and the country.' I could not refuse such requests from my hometown people this time," adding, "That is also why I moved last July with a heart of sincerity."

He concluded, "Politics is about upholding public sentiment. No matter how right your ideas are, if you do not win the people's hearts, you fail. Governments, parties, and politicians lose everything if they lose public sentiment. I believe the public sentiment Kim Taeho must uphold now is precisely that of his hometown."

On the 2nd, Kim also posted on his Facebook, expressing his desire to "practice mature politics within the embrace of my hometown."

He said, "I will return to my original intention," and "I intend to practice sincere, humble, and mature politics while breathing the spirit of my hometown."

On December 17th last year, Kim registered as a preliminary candidate for the Sancheong, Hamyang, Hapcheon, and Geochang districts.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.