Kim Yong Excluded from By-Election Nomination, Accepts Party Decision

In a significant political development, Kim Yong, a prominent figure closely associated with President Lee Jae-myung, has been officially excluded from the nomination list for the upcoming by-elections, which coincide with the June 3 local elections. This decision, made by the Strategic Nomination Management Committee of the Democratic Party, comes after considerable deliberation regarding the potential impact on the party's overall electoral prospects.

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I will take the decision made by the Strategic Nomination Management Committee seriously. I respect the committee's careful consideration and strategic judgment.

Kim Yong, formerly the Vice President of the Democratic Institute, addressed the media today, stating his acceptance of the party's decision. "I will take the decision made by the Strategic Nomination Management Committee seriously. I respect the committee's careful consideration and strategic judgment," he declared. He further expressed his willingness to contribute to the party in a supporting role, stating, "I will find work I can do from the ground up." He also indicated a desire for a swift resolution from the judiciary regarding his ongoing legal matters.

The Democratic Party leadership explained their rationale, emphasizing the need to avoid potential pitfalls in the upcoming elections. "We have addressed the most critical issue that must be avoided in this by-election," stated Floor Leader Jo Seung-rae in a radio interview, suggesting that the exclusion was a necessary measure to ensure the party's success. He noted that many candidates running in local constituencies had expressed similar sentiments regarding the nomination.

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I will find work I can do from the ground up.

Despite the exclusion from the nomination, some within the party anticipate that Kim Yong's influence will remain significant. "In the end, his presence has grown, and he has become an indispensable figure in the party's internal politics," remarked one party official. This sentiment suggests that while Kim Yong may not be on the ballot, his political standing and potential future role within the Democratic Party remain subjects of considerable speculation.

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We have addressed the most critical issue that must be avoided in this by-election.