Kim Chong-in drops out of presidential race

By Yi Whan-woo

Kim Chong-in

Kim Chong-in, a former interim-leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), dropped out of the presidential race, Wednesday, just seven days after he had declared his bid.

The withdrawal came amid speculation that he may play a central role in forming an alliance against DPK presidential candidate Moon Jae-in.

Kim left the DPK in March following a power struggle with mainstream Moon loyalists.

He then discussed how to create a coalition government encompassing conservatives and liberals with former Prime Minister Chung Woon-chan and former JoongAng Media Network Chairman and CEO Hong Seok-hyun.

“My efforts, as a presidential candidate, to create a coalition government on the brink of a national crisis will stop as of today,” Kim said in a statement. “My appeal to the people was too late and fell short of winning the people’s hearts. I hope candidates other than me will realize my vision for a coalition government.”

Kim said he finds it fortunate that there is ever growing public awareness on the shortcomings of “hegemonic leadership.”

“The people are ordering the politicians to join forces with each other and exclude those responsible for making this a country led by a few leaders. I think this is really fortunate,” he said.

Some political analysts speculated that Kim may back Moon’s biggest rival, Ahn Cheol-soo of the People’s Party, in the lead-up to the May 9 presidential election.