People Power Party Gyeonggi governor candidate Yang Hyang-ja [Yonhap]
People Power Party Gyeonggi governor candidate Yang Hyang-ja [Yonhap]

By Jung Seok-jun, The Herald Business

Yang Hyang-ja, the People Power Party candidate for Gyeonggi Province governor, conceded Wednesday, saying she had fallen short and would "humbly accept the will of Gyeonggi residents expressed through their votes."

With 23.9 percent of ballots counted as of 10:57 p.m. Wednesday in the 9th nationwide local elections, Democratic Party of Korea candidate Choo Mi-ae had secured 866,545 votes, leading Yang's 673,997 by roughly 190,000 votes and appearing on course to win.

Yang thanked campaign staff, People Power Party members and volunteers who worked behind the scenes throughout the race. "The responsibility rests solely with me, the candidate," she said.

Congratulating Choo, Yang urged her to govern with the province's residents as her only focus. "I earnestly ask that you channel the energy of our fierce competition and debate into an administration devoted entirely to the people of Gyeonggi, and that you work toward a united Gyeonggi Province," she said.

Yang also applauded fellow candidates Cho Eung-cheon, Hong Seong-gyu and Kim Hyeon-uk for running a good race. "My campaign ends here, but wherever I may be, I will do my utmost for a better Gyeonggi Province and a greater Republic of Korea," she added.


mp1256@heraldcorp.com