Daegu Buk District Mayor Bae Kwangsik Declares He Will Not Run for Daegu Mayor... "I Lack the Confidence That I Am the Right Person"

Bae Kwangsik, Mayor of Buk District, Daegu, announced on the 23rd that he will not run in the Daegu mayoral election.

In a statement released that day, Mayor Bae said, "The history of local autonomy in the Republic of Korea has now reached 30 years. During that time, through a growth strategy centered on the Seoul metropolitan area, the Republic of Korea has risen to the ranks of advanced nations, but we are also paying a heavy price in the form of regional imbalance," adding, "The history of the two presidents who represented Seoul City and Gyeonggi Province has become our reality. I have seen with my own eyes the hope of Daegu citizens that the representative of Daegu should also be able to become the representative of the Republic of Korea, but I have not gained enough confidence to say out loud that I am the right person for that role."

Bae Gwangsik, Mayor of Buk-gu, Daegu

Mayor Bae went on to say, "Because I look forward to and desire more than anyone else a new history of local autonomy in which the representative of Daegu citizens can become the representative of the Republic of Korea, I acknowledge that my calling does not lie in the upcoming June election," thus expressing his intention not to run.

He added, "Despite many causes for concern regarding balanced regional development, citizens' enthusiasm is hotter and more passionate than ever, as seen in the rapidly progressing discussions on the integration of Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province. Furthermore, because the next Mayor of Daegu, who must ensure competitiveness comparable to that of the Seoul metropolitan area, has to share with local residents a vision that is not confined by administrative boundaries and a hope that will lead them to a wider ocean, I intend to board the newly setting sail 'Daegu' together with you as an ordinary crew member."