Following the first trial verdict on former President Yoon Suk-yeol's charges as the ringleader of an insurrection, public opinion has become volatile, drawing both ruling and opposition parties' attention to Daegu, considered a stronghold of the conservative bloc. Han Dong-hoon, the former chairman expelled by the People Power Party, has called for "conservative reconstruction," rallying supporters. The Democratic Party of Korea is also accelerating its efforts in the region by holding on-site meetings.
On February 27, Han plans to visit Seomun Market, a symbolic location representing the sentiment of Daegu. This marks his first official schedule in Daegu since the talk concert on February 8. Lawmakers from the pro-Han faction within the People Power Party will also join this visit. Recent public opinion polls indicate a troubling trend. In Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province (TK), traditionally considered unwinnable for the opposition, polls now show the Democratic Party of Korea in a neck-and-neck race with the People Power Party.
In this context, Han's decision to visit Daegu under the slogan of "Absolute Break from Yoon" appears to be an attempt to secure political momentum from the heart of the conservative base. On SBS that day, he stated, "There is no future for conservatism along the Yoon Suk-yeol line," adding, "I will not stand by or remain a spectator, but will push ahead head-on starting from Daegu." Some interpret this as a sign that he is considering running in the upcoming June re/by-elections. Han said, "I haven't decided on a constituency," but added, "I'm not ruling it out."
Meanwhile, within the People Power Party, criticism continues: "Showing off solo strength, shallow personal politics" (Na Kyung-won), "Join the ranks as an ordinary member" (Kim Seok-ki), and "He should reflect on himself" (Yoo Young-ha). Some party members are even considering filing an ethics committee complaint against lawmakers who accompany Han on his schedule.
Meanwhile, Jeong Cheong-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, also held an on-site Supreme Council meeting in Daegu that day. With internal conflict erupting within the People Power Party over the handling of the TK Administrative Integration Act, Jeong's visit is seen as a move toward the heart of conservative politics. The Democratic Party believes that if former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum runs in the TK region, the election could be competitive. Jeong continued to press the attack, saying, "If the TK integration fails, it is 100% the responsibility of the People Power Party."
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