South Gyeongsang Governor Kim Doo-kwan of the main opposition Democratic United Party said Monday he will declare his presidential candidacy on the following Sunday.

“I will make my announcement on July 8 in Haenam (South Jeolla Province) and resign from the governor position on July 6,” Kim said Monday.

He also expressed his appreciation for those who urged him to maintain his post, but said that the presidential race requires his undivided attention.

This was the first time that Kim officially confirmed his timeline for the December election.

(tellme@heraldcorp.com)