![Jokuk, a candidate for the National Assembly by-election in Pyeongtaek, acknowledges his election defeat at his campaign office in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, on June 4. [Photo=Yonhap News]](https://image.ajunews.com/content/image/2026/06/04/20260604031926175303.jpg)
In the by-election for the National Assembly held alongside the local elections on June 3, Jokuk, the candidate from the Jokuk Innovation Party, conceded defeat on June 4.
After the victory of the People Power Party's candidate, Yoo Yi-dong, Jokuk stated, "The top priority of the June 3 local elections was to achieve a zero presence of the People Power Party. While we achieved meaningful results nationwide, we were unable to fulfill that mandate in Pyeongtaek. This is all my shortcoming and my responsibility." He added, "Though you embraced me warmly, I did not meet your expectations."
He continued, "This outcome is a personal failure for me, but I believe the vision and values reflected in me are not wrong. I will always walk with you to realize those hopes," and expressed his intention to use the heartfelt support from Pyeongtaek as a guiding compass. He also thanked all volunteers and supporters from the pro-democracy camp, saying, "I am grateful to everyone who wholeheartedly stood by me."
In the multi-candidate race for the Pyeongtaek by-election, Jokuk finished in third place, following Yoo and Kim Yong-nam of the Democratic Party.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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