South Jeolla Governor Park Joon-yung has decided to drop out of the main opposition Democratic United Party’s presidential primary race, making the competition a four-way race.

The underdog confirmed his decision in a press conference on Tuesday, two days before the first televised debate between the party’s presidential contestants.

Park’s move is expected to help former party chief Rep. Chung Sye-kyun, who was competing against the governor for support in the Jeolla provinces.

Chung earlier said that the two should unify their candidacy in order to maintain the party’s longtime stronghold.

“Park’s dropping out will not necessarily push all of his supporters to Chung’s side but will impact the primary considerably,” said an official with Chung’s camp. (tellme@heraldcorp.com)