Acting president Hwang Kyo-ahn on Wednesday said he will not run for the presidency in fresh elections now slated for May 9.

"To stabilize government and fairly administer the presidential election, I've reached the conclusion that it is inappropriate for me to run in the election," said Hwang, who is seen as loyal to disgraced ex-President Park Geun-hye and is popular among some conservative voters.

"From now on I would like to focus on the tremendous responsibility as the acting president," he added.

