Lee Jae-myung on Hwang Kyo-ik's Voluntary Resignation: "Please Offer Comfort and Encouragement"

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, asked for consolation and encouragement for candidate Hwang Gyo-ik’s voluntary withdrawal from the position of President of the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, stating that the appointment was made through a fair recruitment process.

On the 20th, Lee posted on Facebook, "Candidate Hwang Gyo-ik of the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization announced his intention to withdraw," adding, "He was recommended by the Executive Recommendation Committee through a fair recruitment process according to the open recruitment regulations changed in 2018 to prevent 'gwanpia' (bureaucratic collusion)."

He further praised candidate Hwang, saying, "As a food culture expert recognized even by Seo Byung-soo, former mayor of Busan from the People Power Party, he achieved many work results, and the Executive Recommendation Committee recommended him as a top candidate among many applicants after thorough screening, proving his sufficient capability as president of the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization."

Regarding accusations of a favor appointment, Lee said, "I have never received any favor from him, so it cannot be a favor appointment," and added, "Appointments should be based on capability and expertise, not personal relationships. I understand the unfair feelings of candidate Hwang, who was denied clear expertise, attacked as a pro-Japanese collaborator, and slandered as being 'preselected' due to personal connections."

He expressed particular regret, saying, "He is not a politician but just a citizen, yet he was dragged into political disputes, suffering fatal damage to his reputation, which is vital for an expert, and gave up his candidacy for all of us without even having the scheduled opportunity to verify his capabilities and vision."

Lee also stated, "As candidate Hwang himself admitted, I was also concerned and cautious about his crossing the line with some remarks, which I could not agree with," and said, "I do not know if I deserve to apologize, but I apologize to candidate Lee Nak-yeon."

He continued, "However, I cannot agree with the tragic situation where a citizen who tried to contribute as a public official through proper procedures had his entire life denied due to political interests," and expressed his apologies and regret once again to candidate Hwang.

Lee also showed concern for candidate Hwang’s emotional healing.

He said, "For those who attacked or indifferent observers, this may soon be forgotten as a minor political incident, but for the person involved, it is a great wound that cannot return to the past as if nothing happened," and comforted him by saying, "I hope candidate Hwang Gyo-ik will demonstrate even more vigorous activities as a food culture expert than before."

Finally, Lee promised, "Many people who have affection for our party and interest in the primary election were also hurt by this incident. I hope there will be no more exhausting negativity that makes us look shabby, and I will start by being more considerate and unite as 'One Team' to win."

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