Kwon Roh-Kap resigns

Kwon Roh-Kap, a Supreme Council member of the ruling Millennium Democratic Party (MDP), announced his resignation in a statement late Sunday night.

"I made up my mind to resign for the future of the nation and the party and for the President`s successful reform of state affairs," said the number two man in the ruling camp in a statement.

"I have much to say, but I won`t say anything. As I did for the past 40 years, I believe it is my fate to sacrifice and make concession for the nation, party and President," he added.

By announcing his resignation as a member of the top decision making organ of the party, Kwon is withdrawing from the political forefront. His resignation is expected to lighten the burden of President Kim Dae-Jung in conducting a sweeping reorganization of the party.

Yoon Young-Chan yyc11@donga.com