Korean DP leader Sohn withdraws resignation

The leader of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) on Wednesday withdrew his earlier pledge to step down, after party members strongly demanded he remain their head and lead efforts to defeat the ruling party in this month's local by-elections. Rep. Sohn Hak-kyu had announced Tuesday that he would quit to take responsibility after the party's candidate for Seoul mayor lost to an independent candidate in a primary-type election to pick a unified opposition runner. "It was not an easy decision to change my decision as a politician, but I decided to keep my post due to strong demands from party members," Sohn said at a press briefing. "In my remaining term, I will put efforts to unite the liberal forces and party members to lead the Seoul mayoral election into victory." His decision came after 65 DP lawmakers held a general meeting and unanimously voted not to accept the chairman's resignation. Senior members repeatedly persuaded Sohn to encourage party members to support the unified candidate to win the election. In Monday's election, Park Won-soon, a lawyer-turned-activist with no party affiliation, beat two-term DP lawmaker Park Young-sun, and will run against the ruling camp candidate Na Kyung-won in the Oct. 26 by-election. Park's victory dealt a blow to the liberal party as it was left unable to field a candidate in the key election. It also showed growing voter discontent among youth toward the left-leaning party with a 65-year-old history. Park welcomed Sohn's decision to stay on as party leader. "I really appreciate his making a decision for the greater cause," Park said. "(The DP) has become more united through this process. My determination to work together with them has become stronger and I think this is a reversal of fortune."