Lee Nak-yeon on Hong Young-pyo's decision not to run for party leader: "I accept this difficult decision with gravity"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Lee Nak-yeon, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea preparing for the August party convention to elect the next party leader, said he "takes seriously" the decision of fellow party member Hong Young-pyo not to run.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the afternoon of the 3rd, Lee said in a statement, "Hong made a difficult decision."

He stated, "I believe Hong's loyalty will be a valuable foundation for overcoming the national crisis caused by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and for the development of the party."

He added, "I will do my best to join forces with Hong for overcoming the COVID-19 crisis and the success of the Moon Jae-in administration, including the advancement of peace on the Korean Peninsula."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, Hong held a press conference at the National Assembly on the same day and said, "I listened to various opinions within the party and thought a lot about what stance to take," and declared his withdrawal from the race, saying, "I concluded that it would be better not to run in this party leader election and to serve quietly."

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