Hong Nam-ki "I Will Not Run in the Gangwon Governor Election"

Press Conference with Foreign Journalists on the 15th

"Mentioning Candidacy Is Inappropriate... Fully Focused"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Hong Nam-ki, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, firmly stated that he will "not run" in response to rumors about his candidacy for the Gangwon Province governor election. This is the first time Hong publicly expressed his intention not to run in the local elections.

He made this remark during a foreign press briefing held at the Government Seoul Office in the afternoon.

When asked if he intended to run amid the rumors, Hong replied firmly, "I will not run," adding, "I believe it is inappropriate to even talk about whether I will run or not, so I try not to mention it. I have no intention of being distracted."

He also added, "I want to be remembered as the Deputy Prime Minister who successfully overcame the COVID-19 crisis."

Until now, there have been continuous speculations within government circles and political circles that Hong, who is from Chuncheon, would run for Gangwon governor.

Recently, there has been analysis that President Moon Jae-in’s request to Hong to "fulfill your role unwaveringly until the end of your term for the success of the economy during the COVID-19 situation" may have influenced Hong’s decision.

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