Kim Yong-nam, the Democratic Party of Korea candidate running in the Pyeongtaek-eul by-election, apologized over remarks related to the Sewol ferry.
On the 11th, Kim posted a statement on Facebook, saying, "I did not fully consider how deep a wound it would leave in the hearts of bereaved families who lost beloved children and relatives," and added, "My wording was very clumsy."
Kim went on to say about the Sewol ferry disaster, "My view is unchanged that a thorough, no-holds-barred fact-finding and sufficient support are needed," while adding, "Regardless of my intent, I acknowledge that I left an indelible wound in the hearts of the bereaved families."
In 2015, when Kim was a lawmaker with the Saenuri Party, he said the Sewol Ferry Special Investigation Commission was "wasting taxpayers' money throughout its mandate." Over this, Cho Kuk of the Rebuilding Korea Party, who is running in the same constituency, urged Kim to apologize.
He also mentioned his record of participating in Yoon Suk-yeol's presidential campaign. Kim said, "The connection from working together 20 years ago when I was a prosecutor clouded my judgment," adding, "After taking power, the conduct of Yoon Suk-yeol and those around him was difficult to accept as reasonable."
He added, "After I realized the reality, I took the lead more than anyone in taking the mic and working to publicize the Yoon Suk-yeol administration's misdeeds."
Kim continued, "The fact that I served as a Spokesperson for the Yoon Suk-yeol campaign will remain a major blemish, but I will never deny it or try to erase it and will take it as a searing lesson," adding, "I will take the lead and devote myself to building a stronger fortress of democracy going forward."
Kim also said, "I stand here by the choice of President Lee Jae-myung and the official recommendation of the Democratic Party," adding, "I want to continue to lend all my strength to the success of the Lee Jae-myung government and the future of the Democratic Party."