"This Local Election Is Not the Birth of Pro-Park Faction"
Lawyer Yoo Young-ha announced his candidacy for Daegu mayor at the People Power Party Daegu City Party Office on the morning of the 1st. / Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Lawyer Yoo Young-ha, who officially declared his candidacy for Daegu mayor in the upcoming June 1 local elections, stated, "I hope this local election is not seen as the birth or union of 'Chinbak' (pro-Park Geun-hye faction)."
On the 3rd, Yoo appeared on MBN's current affairs special 'Jung Woong-gap's In-depth Analysis' and emphasized, "I want to make it clear. 'There is no Chinbak.'"
He added, "This is not just my statement, but something former President Park Geun-hye repeatedly told me."
When asked whether former President Park Geun-hye serving as Yoo's election campaign chairman implied political involvement, he replied, "Some may interpret it that way," but added, "Just because the President took on the role of my campaign chairman, it is a bit exaggerated to say that she is returning to politics."
Yoo said, "For five years, I was quietly watching over the President during her most difficult times, rather than serving her," and continued, "The President always had something to say, and I know what that was. I cannot share the exact wording, but she clearly said there is no Chinbak," reiterating his point.
He went on, "The President spoke about the Dalseong Technopolis, which she coordinated when she was a member of the National Assembly, and the Daegu Center for Creative Economy and Innovation, which she showed interest in during her presidency," adding, "She expressed regret that these initiatives did not continue or progress further."
Earlier, on the 1st, Yoo officially announced his candidacy for Daegu mayor. At a press conference held at the People Power Party Daegu City Office, he said, "Daegu is the birthplace and sacred ground of South Korea's industrialization and democratization," and added, "Over the past five years, we have endured ridicule and contempt from others, and it has been a devastating and tragic time for former President Park Geun-hye."
He continued, "Although regime change was achieved 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, through actions rather than words, and with trust that does not betray your support, I will repay you."
Meanwhile, Yoo is known as the lawyer who defended Park during the so-called 'state affairs manipulation' trial and was the only close aide to visit her in prison. He has also served as Park's legal representative and de facto spokesperson over the past five years.
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