Former ruling Democratic Party(DP) chairman Lee Nak-yon, a major contender in the party’s presidential primary, has declared he will step down as lawmaker to focus on the presidential race.
In a news conference Wednesday at Gwangju City Council, Lee said he decided to give up his parliamentary seat in order to defend the values of democracy and those of his party.
He said he will give his utmost efforts to help the ruling party maintain power through the presidential election, thereby repaying the debt he owes to the DP and the country.
Lee stressed that the party must produce a candidate who is in line with the values of the party and democracy, including having the spirit of the May 18 Gwangju Uprising.
His move is viewed as an effort to consolidate his support base in the Jeolla region amid signs of a runaway lead by his rival Gyeonggi Province Gov. Lee Jae-myung.
Source: KBS World Radio