Gokseong Current County Governor Yu Geun-gi Announces Withdrawal from Election

After Much Deliberation, Announces Decision Not to Run

[Gokseong=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Cha Jong-seon] Yoo Geun-gi, the governor of Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do, declared on the 2nd that he will not run for the position of Gokseong-gun governor in the 8th local election.

Governor Yoo stated his non-candidacy position on the 2nd through a statement, saying, "After countless hours and sleepless nights contemplating when to advance and when to step back, I have reached this conclusion."

He said, "Whenever I heard sincere advice to lead the county government once more for the development of Gokseong, I fell into deep contemplation, but my original intention of 'when the time comes, I will step down boldly' has not changed. Now, I will live as an ordinary husband and head of the family, rubbing shoulders with the people of Gokseong."

Governor Yoo reflected on his tenure, saying, "Many things flash through my mind like a slideshow, including the time spent sweating over recovery with the residents who were plunged into despair by the unprecedented heavy rain damage in August 2020. I set up a grand plan for Gokseong's next 100 years, used passion as my guide, worked diligently, and did my best."

He added, "To prevent population extinction, I started the 7th term of the local government by bringing education as a new agenda, concluding that attracting school-age population creates a healthy population structure and sustainable Gokseong. I feel only sorry and apologetic to the residents, as it seems like I am fleeing using personal convictions as an excuse after piling up a mountain of work."

Governor Yoo said, "I will return to being an ordinary citizen in July, but if my experience and capabilities are needed anywhere for the development of our county, I will do my part in my own way."

With Governor Yoo's non-candidacy, candidates for the 8th term Gokseong-gun governor include Lee Sang-cheol, Jeollanam-do council member; Cho Sang-rae, former Jeollanam-do council member; Kang Dae-kwang, Lee Jae-ho, and Lee Young-jin, former Gokseong-gun council members; Park Jeong-ha, representative of Gokseong Newspaper; Yang Byeong-sik, former director of Gokseong-gun Welfare Office; and Choi Yong-hwan, chairman of the Gokseong Train Village Traditional Market Merchants Association.

Gokseong=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Cha Jong-seon cha6960@asiae.co.kr

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