Let Down a Curtain on the Three Kim’s Age

The leader of the United Liberal Democrats (ULD), Kim Jong-pil, declared his resignation from his office and will also retire from politics on April 19.

Kim revealed at a social gathering with the four elected members of the party, “I submit to the nation’s decision without any condition. I have only but myself to blame. I deeply reflect on myself. I give up the presidency and will retire from political life today.”

The ULD won only four seats of the local constituencies and had only 2.8 percent of voter turnout for the party at the 17th general election. In fact, the “three Kims era” is over as Kim decided to retire and take responsibility for the party’s defeat at the election.

Kim ordered Secretary General Lee Bong-hak to hold the national convention of the ULD and elect a new guidance division.

“Old soldiers never die. They just fade away. I have been in politics for 43 years, and finally I am reduced to ashes. What is a defeated general able to say?” said Kim giving his intimate impressions of his 43-year political life.

Yong-Gwan Jung tongari@donga.com