Park Heeyoung, Yongsan District Mayor, Announces She Will Not Run in June 3 Local Elections: "I Take Full Responsibility for Itaewon Tragedy"

"I Will Fulfill My Duties Until the End to Prevent Any Administrative Gaps"

Park Heeyoung, mayor of Yongsan District, has announced that she will not run in the June 3 local elections. The decision was influenced by her sense of political and moral responsibility for the Itaewon tragedy and the People Power Party’s decision to deny her re-admission.

On the afternoon of April 26, Park released a statement saying, "I have sincerely and gravely accepted the petitions signed by 11,195 district residents urging my reinstatement in the party and recommending that I run for office. After much deliberation, I have decided not to run in this election."

Park Heeyoung, Yongsan District Mayor, who announced that he will not run in the June 3 local elections. Provided by Yongsan District Office.

The biggest reason behind her decision not to run was the Itaewon tragedy. Park stated, "Regardless of any legal judgment, I believed it would not be right to put my own position or political choices before the pain and wounds left by that day’s tragedy. I would like to once again sincerely apologize to the bereaved families and victims who are still suffering, and I express my deepest condolences." She added, "I will never forget the pain of that tragedy and will carry it with me throughout my life."

She also commented on the Seoul Metropolitan Chapter of the People Power Party’s decision to deny her re-admission, saying she "fully understands" the decision. Park said, "I deeply regret having burdened the party. As an elected official, I must shoulder greater responsibility beyond my personal wishes, and I must also accept the party’s decisions with due weight."

Regarding her remaining term, she stated, "I will see through the major projects and pending issues that I have been pursuing with full responsibility, doing everything possible to prevent any administrative gaps or confusion. I will also do my best to ensure that the next mayor who is elected can smoothly take over the administration of the district by preparing for a proper transition."

Park expressed, "I am once again sincerely grateful to all the district residents who have trusted and supported me," adding, "I am truly sorry that I could not ultimately repay the support you have shown me. I will never forget your sentiments."

<Statement from Park Heeyoung, Mayor of Yongsan District, on Her Decision Not to Run>

Dear beloved and respected residents of Yongsan,

First of all, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of you who have trusted, cared for, and supported me until the end.

I have sincerely and gravely accepted the petitions signed by 11,195 residents, your calls for my reinstatement in the party, and your heartfelt requests for me to run for office.

I fully understand the weight of your expectations, affection, and concern.

I too have wrestled with this decision until the very end.

I have long pondered what choice would truly be in Yongsan’s best interest, what would genuinely answer your expectations, and what meaning my decision at this point would hold for Yongsan’s future.

Ultimately, I have decided not to run in this election.

This was by no means an easy decision.

Even now, I feel heavy-hearted and deeply regretful when I think of all those who asked me to take on this role once again.

Nevertheless, I kept asking myself whether it would be responsible to ignore the various circumstances and concerns surrounding my situation and put my own wishes first.

I fully understand the position of the People Power Party’s Seoul Metropolitan Chapter regarding my denial of re-admission, as well as the leadership’s decision to postpone my reinstatement.

I also deeply regret having caused any burden to the party during this process.

As an elected official, I must shoulder greater responsibility beyond my personal intentions, and I believe I must accept the party’s judgments with due gravity.

Above all, my political and moral responsibility for the Itaewon tragedy is the main reason I have decided not to run.

Regardless of any legal judgment, I believed it would not be right to put my own position or political choices before the pain and wounds left by that day’s tragedy.

Once again, I sincerely apologize and offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and victims who are still suffering. I will never forget the pain of that tragedy and will carry it with me throughout my life.

For the remainder of my term, I will fully and responsibly see through the major projects and pending issues I have been pursuing, doing everything possible to prevent any gaps or confusion in administration.

I will also do my utmost to ensure that the next mayor who is elected can take over the administration of the district smoothly by preparing for the necessary transition and conditions.

I will do my best until the last moment to ensure that residents’ daily lives are not disrupted and that Yongsan’s future is not interrupted.

I am once again sincerely grateful to all the residents who have trusted and supported me.

I am truly sorry that I could not ultimately repay the support you have shown me.

I will never forget your sentiments.

Thank you.

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