"Really Bad Gonggwanwi Decision"... Kim Taeho to Run as Independent After Leaving Party

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Tae-ho announced that he will leave the party and run as an independent candidate.

On the 8th, former Governor Kim posted on his Facebook, "I am leaving the party temporarily. I am leaving my home, which I have never left before, for a while. I will definitely come back alive," revealing his decision.

He said, "The party’s nomination committee made a truly bad decision. What kind of absurd logic is 'a great politician cannot work for hometown development'?" He criticized the committee’s cutoff (nomination exclusion) decision, saying, "If they thought anyone could be nominated, it was an arrogant decision that poured cold water on the desperate hopes of the local residents eagerly awaiting regional development."

Former Governor Kim emphasized, "Although I feel deeply regretful, I will no longer harbor hatred or lingering attachment. The nomination committee has insisted that I run in a difficult district where winning is hard, but I appealed that I would devote myself to regional development in a challenging area where I live."

He explained the situation, saying, "They asked me to become a fighter, saying winning the election is important, but I pleaded to become a great worker who can revive the underdeveloped region. They forced me to follow the party’s will, but I argued that following the people's will is the spirit of the times."

He added, "Despite my sincerity and earnestness, we could no longer narrow the gap in thoughts and claims. I am sorry," and "I bow my head and ask for forgiveness from the respected and beloved party members and comrades."

He said, "I, Kim Tae-ho, am the United Future Party, and the United Future Party is Kim Tae-ho. I have thought so consistently throughout my 25 years in politics, and that has not changed even now," adding, "I never imagined running as an independent, but today I am about to leave the party, which I have never left before, for a while."

Former Governor Kim appealed for support, saying, "I will definitely return to the party to judge the incompetent current administration and take the lead in creating a new government. Dear citizens of Sancheong, Hamyang, Geochang, and Hapcheon, please protect me, Kim Tae-ho, in my hometown."

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