"Presidential Bid" Hong Jun-pyo Resigns as Daegu Mayor... "Will Take on a Bigger Role"

Hong: "We Must Create a United Korea with the Spirit of Integration"

Hong Joon-pyo, the mayor of Daegu, resigned from his position on the 11th to run in the early presidential election scheduled for June 3.

At the farewell ceremony held at 11 a.m. in the main auditorium of the Sanggyeok Building of Daegu City Hall, Mayor Hong stated, "We have completed 70% of the 'Daegu Innovation 100+1' project, and the remaining tasks are being carried out smoothly. It has been a difficult process, but it was a time driven by the belief that 'it can be done.' I thank all the citizens and public officials who have accompanied me on this entire journey."

He continued, "Although I am stepping down from the mayoral position, I will return as a stronger supporter and stand with you until the end. Now is the time to create a united Korea with the spirit of integration, not confrontation, and I hope Daegu and its citizens will take the lead on that path."

Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo is delivering his farewell speech at his retirement ceremony held on the 11th at the Daegu City Hall Sangyeok Building auditorium. Photo by Yonhap News

Later, on Facebook, he expressed his gratitude, saying, "Today, I resign from the position of Daegu mayor. I am resigning to take on a greater role. I will never forget the grace you have shown me over the past three years."

He added, "I gave you a dream, and now it is up to the citizens of Daegu and the public officials of Daegu City to realize that dream. I will also do my utmost to complete that dream."

Mayor Hong is scheduled to officially announce his presidential candidacy on the 14th at the Daehwa Building in Yeouido, Seoul.