Kim Seonggeun Withdraws from Busan Buk-gu Gap Race as Independent, Declares Support for Park Min-sik

Announces Support for Park Min-sik at Morning Press Conference on June 2

Kim Sungkeun, an independent candidate running in the Busan Buk-gu Gap National Assembly by-election, announced his intention to withdraw from the race on June 2, a day before the main vote, and declared his support for Minsik Park, the People Power Party candidate.

At a press conference held that day, Kim stated, "As of today, I am stepping down as a candidate for the National Assembly by-election and will give my full support to Minsik Park."

Minsik Park, the People Power Party candidate for the Busan Bukgap by-election, is holding a press conference at the Busan Buk-gu campaign office on the afternoon of the 1st. Photo by Yonhap News.

He said, "To resolve the long-standing issues of Gupo, we need someone who truly understands the history and pain of the region—a genuine resident of Gupo, a worker for Gupo."

He went on to argue, "Those who have no ties to this area and have never lived the life of Gupo are using Buk-gu for their own political advancement and desire for power."

Kim also targeted Han Donghoon, another independent candidate, saying, "With politics that isolate oneself by confronting the Blue House and surrounding politicians, it will not be possible to achieve the Gupo Station railway underground project, which absolutely requires the cooperation of the government."

He added, "Fandom politics that follow certain politicians are devastating local politics, and I have decided that I can no longer stand by and watch."

Explaining his support, Kim said, "Minsik Park is a candidate who communicates across party lines, engages with the central government, and truly understands the pain of Gupo and its residents," adding, "He is a leader with practical leadership who can strongly push for the designation of the Gupo Station railway underground project as a pilot initiative."

In response, Minsik Park said, "I pay my respects and express my gratitude for Kim's bold decision," emphasizing, "Please pass judgment with your votes on another independent candidate who seeks to divide the conservatives and treats Buk-gu as merely a stepping stone."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.