Former baseball player "Yang-shin" Yang Joon-hyuk, 56, drew a line under speculation about entering politics, saying it was not true.
On the 7th, Yang wrote on his social media (SNS), "Recently, articles have been reported saying I joined the campaign of preliminary candidate North Gyeongsang Province Gov. Lee Cheol-woo."
He added, "Not long ago, an acquaintance I knew asked if they could use my name, and I carelessly allowed the use of my name," and said, "It was permission born of my ignorance for not thinking about what could happen later."
Yang said, "I have no intention now or in the future of entering politics or engaging in related activities," adding, "I hope there are no further misunderstandings, and I will live diligently as a responsible head of household who wishes for my family's happiness."
Earlier, the election office of preliminary candidate North Gyeongsang Province Gov. Lee Cheol-woo announced that Yang had been appointed as a "special adviser." Lee's campaign office said, "Special adviser Yang Joon-hyuk plans to advise on strategies for modernizing the marine and fisheries sector and developing high value-added industries on the East Sea coast of North Gyeongsang Province, based on practical experience built in the field."
With the news of Yang's appointment as special adviser, some analysis suggested he would enter politics. However, as Yang denied this, the speculation about his political debut is expected to subside.