Daegu: Lee Jin-sook, former head of the Korea Media and Communications Commission and a notable figure under the administration of ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol, announced on Saturday that she will not be pursuing the Daegu mayorship after being excluded from the main opposition People Power Party's (PPP) primary.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee had considered running as an independent candidate in the upcoming June 3 local elections following her exclusion from the party's nomination process about a month ago. The PPP justified her exclusion by emphasizing the necessity of a candidate possessing economic expertise to rejuvenate the struggling metropolitan city's economy, over political experience. Lee's political affiliations with the disgraced former president were also seen as a potential liability.
During a press conference at the party's office in Daegu, located approximately 250 kilometers southeast of Seoul, Lee stated, "I am stepping down as a preliminary candidate for Daegu mayor. I will back the party's nominee, once selected in the primary tomorrow, to defeat the Democratic Party contender." Her statement underscored her commitment to the party's success despite her personal grievances with the nomination process.
Lee's withdrawal marks the end of a monthlong dispute concerning the nomination process, echoing a similar decision by Rep. Joo Ho-young two days earlier, who also opted not to run after being excluded. The PPP has since narrowed its selection to two finalists, Reps. Choo Kyung-ho and Yoo Yeong-ha.
Both Choo and Yoo expressed respect for Lee's decision and reiterated their determination to achieve victory. Choo highlighted the economic and democratic stakes of the election, stating, "This election is about reviving Daegu's stagnant economy and restoring a shaken democracy. We will respond with an overwhelming victory in Daegu and a confident rebuilding of the conservative bloc."
Yoo, in a separate statement, emphasized the need for unity, declaring, "We must now join forces as one. We will go beyond division toward integration and secure victory with united strength, not fragmentation."
Chief PPP spokesperson Rep. Park Sung-hoon praised Lee's decision, viewing it as a strategic move that strengthens the party's position in the upcoming election. He stated that it will serve as a "valuable foundation for victory" in the Daegu mayoral race.
The PPP is set to finalize its candidate selection on Sunday, concluding the primary process with a combination of party member votes and a public opinion poll.