Kim Tae-nyeon: "Deeply Disappointed the People with Our Shortcomings... Will Reflect and Reform"

Leadership Announces Full Resignation
Kim Tae-nyeon Acting Party Leader
"Will Humbly Accept Public Sentiment"

Kim Tae-nyeon, Acting Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending and speaking at a virtual party meeting held at the National Assembly on the 8th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Kim Tae-nyeon, Acting Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, announced on the 8th, "I will take responsibility for the (by-election) results and resign entirely." Acting Leader Kim added, "The Democratic Party will devote itself to reform so that it can be reborn as a party that receives the trust and love of the people again, like a deeply rooted tree."

This is a declaration to take responsibility and step down following the ruling party's defeat and the opposition's overwhelming victory in the April 7 by-elections held the previous day. According to the Central Election Commission on the day, in the Seoul mayoral by-election, candidate Oh Se-hoon received 57.5% (2,798,788 votes), while Democratic Party candidate Park Young-sun received 39.18% (1,907,336 votes). The vote difference between the two candidates was 851,452 votes, and the percentage point gap was 18.32%. In Busan, candidate Park Hyung-joon won with 62.67% of the votes against Democratic Party candidate Kim Young-choon, who received 34.42%. The vote percentage gap between the two candidates widened to 28.25 percentage points.

In his first official statement after the by-election, Acting Leader Kim said, "We will humbly accept the public sentiment expressed in this election. We have caused great disappointment to the people due to our shortcomings." He added, "Through this election, the people have given the Democratic Party many tasks. We will thoroughly reflect and innovate. We will restore fairness and justice within the party."

He also expressed hope that the total resignation of the leadership would mark the beginning of reflection and innovation. Kim, the floor leader, said, "The upcoming party convention and floor leader election will be held as soon as possible," adding, "The newly elected leadership will lead reforms that align with public sentiment."

He stated, "The Democratic Party of Korea is a powerful people's party with three experiences of ruling and a tradition of democracy," and continued, "The leap toward an inclusive nation where everyone is guaranteed a dignified life and coexists together, as well as a global leading country, is the path the Democratic Party has walked and the vision it will pursue."

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