Geochang County Candidate Kim Ilsu Criticizes People Power Party: "Irresponsible No-Nomination, Politics That Shifts Burden to Citizens"

"Nomination Process Marred by Slander and Attacks"
Kim Ilsu Announces Independent Run for Geochang Governor

"Quitting Midway Would Betray the People"
"I Will Stand Before the Judgment of the Citizens Until the End"

Kim Ilsu, a preliminary candidate for Geochang County Governor who left the People Power Party during the nomination process, officially announced his independent candidacy on May 15, strongly criticizing the turmoil in the party's nomination process.

At a press conference held in the briefing room of Geochang County Office that morning, Kim stated, "The People Power Party's decision not to nominate a candidate is an act of irresponsible politics that shifts the party's responsibility onto the citizens of the county," adding, "Ultimately, the situation has forced the people to make their own judgment."

[Photo by Choisoon Kyung] Kim Ilsu, a preliminary candidate for mayor of Geochang County, held a press conference at the Geochang County Office briefing room on the morning of the 15th, officially announcing his departure from the People Power Party and his independent candidacy.

He sharply criticized the nomination process for Geochang County Governor, saying, "Competition over policies and vision disappeared, replaced by relentless slander and attacks," and added, "With the controversy over the leakage of party member lists, the fairness and legitimacy of the nomination process have completely collapsed."

He continued, "This has resulted in the unprecedented and disgraceful outcome of Geochang being designated as a region without a party nominee," and said, "As someone who had prepared to run as a member of the People Power Party, I feel devastated and deeply apologetic to the citizens and party members."

In particular, he emphasized that the time given to candidates following the central party's decision not to nominate anyone was "barely a little over two hours," criticizing, "It was an unreasonably short period of time to make such a significant decision about leaving the party and running independently."

Kim asserted, "Had a nominee been chosen, I would have accepted the outcome with grace and stepped aside for the unity of the county," and continued, "However, the party failed even to reach a responsible conclusion, ultimately placing the entire burden on the candidates."

[Photo by Soonkyung Choi] Kim Ilsu, preliminary candidate for chairman of Geochang County, is taking a commemorative photo with supporters after holding an independent candidacy press conference at the Geochang County Office briefing room on the 15th.

He added, "Abandoning my candidacy midway, ignoring the will of the people who have chosen me as a provincial council member over the past eight years, would be a betrayal of the county's citizens," declaring, "Though I may have shortcomings, I will subject myself to the direct judgment of the people, with integrity and sincerity."

He also stated, "Until the very last moment of the election, I will listen closely to the voices of the citizens and approach this with utmost humility," and added, "I will make a responsible choice until the end for the future and unity of Geochang."

Meanwhile, the People Power Party recently decided not to nominate a candidate for Geochang County Governor, designating Geochang as a non-nomination region after controversies arose over the leakage of party member lists and conflicts among candidates during the nomination process.

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