Kim Joong-Kwon Withdraws from MDP Primary Race

Kim Joong Kwon suddenly quit the Millennium Democratic Party`s (MDP) presidential primary race by saying that “I realized my incompetence to run the race,” in a news conference at the party building, yesterday. Started with 7 candidates, the MDP`s primary race became a three-sided struggle between Rhee In-Je, Roh Moo-Hyun, and Chung Dong-Young.

Rhee`s closed figure implied a creation of big troubles in the race. “According to Kim`s resignation reason, Kim supported Roh in reality, and Rhee is seriously considering his future steps.” Kim Yoon-Soo, Rhee`s special advisor for the press, said that Kim`s resignation is “not expected and a shock.” He continued that, “Tomorrow, we will have a staff meeting in the presence of Rhee to discuss our future steps.”

Kim said to the reporters that, “Even though somebody said that I made a good fight, I realized my lack of ability in Gwangju, Daejeon, South Chungcheong, and Gangwon Provinces.” He declared his resignation by saying that, “ Although I will win a overwhelming victory in Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, it will not promote the political development.”

Kim explained the reasons for his resignation as follow. “Especially, I had to admit Gwangju`s choice. And I was deeply disappointed in South Chungcheong and Daejeon where the electors blindly threw their votes for a candidate from their provinces, which is really behind the regional integration.”

He added that, “Next government should be a government of the East-West solidarity, and a candidate who is evenly supported by all regions and all classes should become the leader. The East-West solidarity and the great integration of the people, which I have been insisted, are meaningful only when a candidate evenly received votes from all regions.”

Although Kim came in third with 920 votes (12.6 percent) throughout the six local primaries, his votes will become void due to his resignation.

Young-Chan Yoon yyc11@donga.com · Young-Hae Choi yhchoi65@donga.com