[6.3 Election] Kim Youngrok "Humbly Accepts Primary Defeat"...Withdraws Review Request (Comprehensive)

Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeonnam Province, commented on April 15 regarding the results of the Democratic Party of Korea's Jeonnam-Gwangju Unified Special Mayor primary, stating, "I humbly accept the choice of the citizens of both regions," and added, "I deeply appreciate all the support and encouragement I have received thus far."

Governor Kim expressed his regret, saying, "I proposed unification and did my utmost to overcome the challenges of underdevelopment and the risk of decline facing Jeonnam and Gwangju, but the fact that I was not chosen is entirely due to my own shortcomings."

He continued, "I would like to express both my apologies and gratitude to all my supporters, including National Assemblyman Shin Jung-hoon, Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijung, and Senior Vice Chairman Lee Byung-hoon of the Honam Special Committee, who helped and worked with me. From now on, I will return to my duties as governor and focus all my efforts on minimizing the confusion and inconvenience caused during the unification process, as well as on revitalizing the struggling local economy."

Kim Young-rok, Governor of Jeonnam Province

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He also added, "I hope that Jeonnam and Gwangju will become centers of future advanced industries and regions to which young people will return."

Regarding Assemblyman Min Hyung-bae, who was elected as the Democratic Party of Korea's candidate for the Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Mayor, he said, "I sincerely wish for his success," and added, "If needed, I will contribute all my capabilities and wisdom."

Governor Kim stated, "After completing my term as governor, I will return to being an ordinary citizen and work together for the development of the region," adding, "I will live my daily life alongside the citizens of the city and province."

Meanwhile, after losing to Assemblyman Min Hyung-bae in the Democratic Party of Korea's Jeonnam-Gwangju Unified Special Mayor primary, Governor Kim filed for a review by the central party, citing errors in the primary system one day after the result was announced, but ultimately withdrew his request.

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