Kim Keun-Tae Withdrew from Presidential Race

By the withdrawal of Kim Keun-Tae, who ran for the presidential candidacy of the New Millennium Democratic Party, the runners reduced to 6.

Rep. Kim held a press conference at the party`s building in Yoido and announced his drop from the race, saying “I hope my decision may become a ground for the political reformation and the continuation of the NMDP`s ruling power in the future. I decided to admit the will of the people. Mr. Kim resigned from the party`s standing advisor as well.”

Rep. Kim did not reveal whom he would support among the runners of the party.

However, a close aide of Mr. Kim said, “the remarks of Mr. Kim that he hopes a great runner, who is capable of continuing the ruling power and establishing the authenticity and identity of NMDP, would become a party`s presidential candidate, means his support to Noh Mu-Hyun.”

Rep. Kim earned 26 votes (1.5 percent of the total valid votes) at the competitions in Cheju on 9th and Ulsan on 10th respectively, marking the least. The votes he gained will be invalidated

Jeong-Hun Kim jnghn@donga.com