Assemblyman Lee Byung-hoon Withdraws Candidacy for Democratic Party Gwangju City Party Chairperson

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] As the method of electing the Democratic Party of Korea Gwangju Metropolitan City Party Chair?whether by consensus recommendation or by primary election?has yet to be decided, Assemblyman Lee Byung-hoon, who was considered a strong candidate, has withdrawn his candidacy.

On the 29th, Assemblyman Lee stated in a press release, “I have decided to give up my intention to become the Democratic Party Gwangju City Party Chair.”

He said, “The reason I challenged for the Democratic Party Gwangju City Party Chair was to contribute to the reestablishment of the administration through victories in the 2022 local elections and the presidential election, and to play a role in Gwangju’s development through new changes in Gwangju,” adding, “It was a magnanimous decision for Gwangju’s development, and I was prepared to endure even a primary election if necessary.”

He continued, “During the discussions, Gwangju-area assembly members set the principle of avoiding a primary election and deciding through consensus, considering that this is a time to devote all efforts to overcoming the national crisis caused by COVID-19,” and said, “I also thought that competition over the city party chair position appearing as a mere seat battle would not be admirable, and that we should become one team through concession and agreement.”

He added, “As the discussion over the city party chair has faced difficulties and the public’s attention has grown cold, someone had to make a decision,” and expressed hope that “our Gwangju City Party can show citizens and party members a united and harmonious image.”

Furthermore, he said, “I hope that this decision will open the way for communication and harmony, and that the city party chair will be decided as someone with the capability to lead Gwangju’s political power,” and added, “I also promise to support the new city party chair so that the Gwangju City Party can become the foundation for leading Gwangju’s political status and development.”

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