Kim Chong-in, former interim chief of the Democratic Party of Korea, on Wednesday announced his withdrawal from the presidential election.
“As of today, I shall stop my efforts as a presidential candidate to establish a comprehensive government and to overcome the nation‘s crisis,” Kim said through a statement.
Kim Chong-in, former interim chief of the Democratic Party of Korea (Yonhap)
The 76-year-old economist had just announced his bid on April 5, amid burgeoning speculations he would partner with other independent centrist figures. The plausible list included former Prime Minister Chung Un-chan and former media group chief Hong Seok-hyun.
Though he refrained from commenting in detail, Kim alluded to his support for Ahn Cheol-soo of the People’s Party.
“It is fortunate that the polls seem to be properly reflecting the public sentiment,” he said, referring to Ahn’s recent rise to rival longtime front-runner Moon Jae-in.
Kim has frequently expressed strong disapproval of Moon and what he has seen as a power monopoly of Moon’s clique.
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