Kim Dong-yeon Withdraws from Presidential Race... "I Will Tie My Sneakers to Support Lee Jae-myung's Victory" (Comprehensive)

"Political Change is About Changing the Economic Paradigm"
Kim Dong-yeon "No Other Plans for Political Moves After This"

Kim Dong-yeon, the New Wave presidential candidate, held a press conference at the campaign office in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the 2nd, announcing his withdrawal from the race and expressing his support for Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party candidate. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Naju-seok and Kwon Hyun-ji] Kim Dong-yeon, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, announced his withdrawal from the race on the 2nd and declared his support for Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate.

At a press conference held at the New Wave party headquarters that day, Candidate Kim stated, "I am stepping down from the presidential candidacy today," and added, "From today, I will tie my shoelaces again to work for the election of Candidate Lee Jae-myung."

Candidate Kim said, "Yesterday, I agreed with Candidate Lee on a 'Joint Declaration for Political Change,'" and added, "I believe this declaration will be the starting point for 'political change.' Starting from here, I believe we will break the entrenched vested interest structures tightly woven throughout South Korea's politics, economy, and society."

Regarding the joint declaration, he explained, "It includes constitutional amendments to reduce the presidential term by one year and curtail powers, political reforms to break the two-party system and reduce the privileges of lawmakers, and plans to operate major national policies beyond partisan lines and form a government of national unity," adding, "Political change will serve as a stepping stone to form a unified government and solve issues such as real estate problems and economic difficulties."

Concerning his withdrawal, Candidate Kim asked his supporters to "understand that this was a difficult decision made to realize the values and philosophy we pursue," and stated, "I, Kim Dong-yeon, and the New Wave will not stop leading and monitoring to ensure that the spirit of breaking vested interests is properly practiced."

When asked by reporters whether he would run for office in Seoul in the upcoming local elections, he replied, "I have no other plans regarding my political path after stepping down from the candidacy."

Candidate Kim also said, "I will actively participate in Candidate Lee's campaigns and other activities."

He added, "I believe that political change is the first step in all aspects of South Korea's economy, society, and education," and stated, "Without solving this issue, we cannot address problems in the economy, education, and society. My idea is to create a foundation for development through political reform." He also said, "The work for political change is the work of changing the economic paradigm."

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