'Ulju 4-term' Kang Gil-bu, Not Running... "Yielding to Young and Dynamic Successors"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Kang Gil-bu, an independent lawmaker who has been elected four times in a row in Ulju-gun, Ulsan, announced that he will not run in the April 15 general election.

On the 23rd, Kang held a press conference at the Ulsan City Council Press Center and stated, "All sectors, including the economy and security, are facing difficulties, and the country is in a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 crisis. In times like these, I have concluded that it is appropriate to yield to younger and more dynamic successors."

He added, "Over the past 16 years, Ulju-gun has undergone many changes, but we must all deeply reflect on why the population has recently declined and why difficulties are being experienced. Please take seriously the forecast that Ulsan, which is 1.7 times larger in area than Seoul with its 10 million residents, will see its population fall below one million in the next 10 years."

Kang also said, "Regarding the candidates running in Ulju-gun, there are those whose capabilities have been verified through public service and who possess expertise, so I believe the residents of Ulju-gun will make a wise judgment." From the Democratic Party, former Customs Service Commissioner Kim Young-moon is running, and from the United Future Party, former Ulsan Police Chief Seo Beom-su is running.

Until last week, the press conference was expected to be a declaration of candidacy. However, Kang emphasized yielding to successors and ultimately decided not to run. Kang entered politics in the 17th general election as a member of the Uri Party but later left the party and repeatedly switched between being an independent and joining conservative parties such as the Grand National Party.

He added, "If anyone has experienced difficulties because of me unintentionally, I would like to take this opportunity to offer my apologies and condolences."

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