Im Miae: "Resignation from Supreme Council Candidacy Was Neither Due to Pressure Nor Deals"

"From Running for Office to Resignation, Every Step Was My Own Free Will"
"Never Intended to Disparage or Criticize, but Apologies to Those Hurt"

On August 19, Im Miae, a Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker who had abruptly withdrawn her candidacy for Supreme Council member at the 8·17 National Convention, detailed the background and her feelings about her mid-race resignation. She stated it was a decision made of her own free will, with no pressure or bargaining involved.

Through her social media account on this day, Assemblywoman Im said, "During the election, I stated that I would not resign mid-race. In the end, I was unable to keep that promise," and apologized, saying, "I am sorry." She added that she was "very surprised" by the ballot results from Seoul and Gyeonggi Province on the 16th, the day she decided to step down, and explained, "Given that Kim Minseok was effectively confirmed as party leader, I felt it was necessary for the Supreme Council to also secure a majority."

She also denied rumors of pressure or political deals. Assemblywoman Im clarified that the only person she consulted with regarding her resignation was Assemblyman Kim Youngho, who had also withdrawn as a Supreme Council candidate. She said, "Many people are mentioning 'pressure' and 'bargaining,' but there was absolutely none of that. That is far removed from my style of politics. From running to resigning, every decision was made after careful consideration, solely out of my own free will." She added, "The only reason I'm speaking up is to prevent unnecessary misunderstandings."

Im Miae, a lawmaker running for the Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is being interviewed by The Asia Business Daily at the National Assembly. July 21, 2026. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

Regarding her future plans, Im stated, "Going forward, I plan to devote myself to my legislative duties while spending much more time alone," and added, "I will quietly reflect on all the words and positions I put forward during the convention." She emphasized, "My thoughts and judgments may have differed from others, but I never even slightly intended to disparage or criticize anyone." She also said, "There are probably people who have been hurt, and I sincerely apologize."

She expressed her gratitude to her supporters and pledged to demonstrate even better politics. Assemblywoman Im said, "When I carried the flag of a nationwide party in North Gyeongsang Province, there were many party members, including those from Honam and other regions, who welcomed me warmly and supported me as if embracing values the Democratic Party had forgotten." She concluded, "I promise to grow into an even broader and greater version of myself, Im Miae."

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