Rep. Na Kyung-won, who has been cited as a favorite-to-run lawmaker in the neutral faction of the Saenuri Party, said Wednesday she will not compete in the leadership race.
Na's decision came a day after Rep. Suh Chung-won, an eight-term lawmaker of the ruling Saenuri Party who has been supportive of Park, also announced he will not run for the chairmanship.
Rep. Na Kyung-won of the ruling Saenuri Party (Yonhap)
"I hope that a new leadership that is formed will seek sound innovations and overcomes the factional strife," Na said in a statement. "I will instead focus on preparing for the future of South Korea."
So far, six lawmakers are vying to become the new chairman at the party's convention slated for Aug. 9. (Yonhap)
