Yu Young-ha "I will repay with the consistency shown over 5 years" announces candidacy
Hong Joon-pyo "My heart has always been in Daegu while in politics"
Kim Jae-won "A suitable candidate to work in harmony with the Yoon government needed" competitive race
Interest in whether Park, who prepared a residence in Daegu, will voice support
[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Joo-hee] Yoo Young-ha, a close aide of former President Park Geun-hye, officially announced his candidacy for mayor of Daegu on the 1st. With heavyweight politicians such as Hong Joon-pyo, a member of the People Power Party who previously ran for president, and former Supreme Council member Kim Jae-won already throwing their hats into the ring, if former President Park, who enjoys strong support from conservative forces, sends a message regarding Yoo, the political landscape is expected to fluctuate in some way. The so-called 'Park's heart (朴心)' is drawing attention not only from the political world but also from voters.
On the morning of the same day, Yoo held a press conference at the People Power Party's Daegu city party office to officially declare his candidacy for mayor of Daegu. He stated, "Daegu is the birthplace and sacred city of Korea's industrialization and democratization, a city proud to be the heart of conservatism, where blood, sweat, and tears have changed the course of history through great decisions during difficult times for the country," adding, "However, over the past five years, it has had to endure ridicule and contempt from others, and for former President Park Geun-hye, these were dreadful and tragic days."
He continued, "Although we achieved a regime change with the full support of Daegu citizens, you still have the mission to regain the pride and self-esteem of a top-tier city, and I have a long journey ahead to revive the truth," adding, "With the consistency I have shown you over the past five years, not with words but with actions, and with trust that does not betray your support, I will repay you."
On the morning of the 1st, Yoo Young-ha, the legal representative of former President Park Geun-hye, announced his candidacy for the mayor of Daegu at the Daegu branch of the People Power Party. Photo by Yonhap News
Yoo served as former President Park's lawyer throughout the trial of the state affairs manipulation case and is known as the closest aide who was the only person to visit her during her imprisonment. Over the past five years, he has acted as her legal representative and, in effect, her spokesperson.
With Yoo's announcement of his candidacy, there is a forecast that former President Park's influence will be a significant variable in this election. Daegu, a conservative stronghold, was also the constituency of former President Park during her time as a member of the National Assembly. When she was discharged from prison, thousands of supporters gathered in front of her residence in Dalseong-gun, creating a massive crowd. Arriving at her residence with a bright expression, former President Park expressed her affection for Daegu through a message to the nation, saying, "I endured while thinking about the day I would return to Dalseong, my political and emotional hometown."
Former President Park also said, "I intend to contribute my small strength so that talented individuals can achieve the leap of my hometown Daegu and further contribute to the development of the Republic of Korea." In this regard, there is growing interest in whether former President Park will directly campaign in support of Yoo during this local election.
On the 31st of last month, Hong Jun-pyo, a member of the People Power Party, announced his candidacy for mayor of Daegu at a press conference held in front of the Lee Sang-hwa statue at Suseong Lake in Daegu. / Yonhap News
Amid the fierce competition expected among heavyweight politicians, tensions between candidates are already being sensed. On the 31st of last month, Hong, who officially declared his candidacy at Suseong Lake Sanghwa Park in Daegu, expressed confidence regarding the competition with former Supreme Council member Kim and Yoo, saying, "I do not recognize or consider my election opponents. I just need to do well." He also emphasized his connection to Daegu, saying, "Daegu is my hometown that raised me. Even after finishing my school days and my time as a prosecutor, my heart has always been toward Daegu."
Former People Power Party Supreme Council member Kim Jae-won announced his candidacy for mayor of Daegu at the Daegu City Party Office on the afternoon of the 28th of last month. Photo by Yonhap News
Kim, a former Supreme Council member who served as the Senior Secretary for Political Affairs in the Park Geun-hye administration, emphasized that while working with the Yoon Seok-yeol government, he is the only candidate with ties to former President Park. In an interview with KBS Radio, Kim said, "While working with the Yoon Seok-yeol government to solve regional issues and help the local economy, a mayor like that is absolutely necessary," adding, "On the other hand, someone who can protect former President Park well is another consideration for the citizens of Daegu, who have much sympathy for her. I believe I can do both well."
Meanwhile, more than ten candidates, including Hong, Kim, Yoo, former Daejeon MBC president Lee Jin-sook, and Kyungpook National University honorary professor Kim Hyung-gi, have declared their candidacies for the Daegu mayoral election. Kwon Young-jin, the mayor of Daegu who was expected to run for a third term, announced that he will not run in this local election.
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