Feb 25 • 08:30 UTC 🇰🇷 Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

Han Dong-hoon in Daegu: 'We must rebuild conservatism through direct confrontation'... Will he run in the by-election?

Former leader of the People Power Party, Han Dong-hoon, visited Daegu after his expulsion from the party and hinted at a potential run in the upcoming by-elections while stressing the importance of what actions he would take rather than where he would run.

Han Dong-hoon, the former leader of the People Power Party in South Korea, made a notable visit to Daegu on the 25th, marking his first local schedule following his expulsion from the party. During a meeting with the press at a restaurant in Jung District, he addressed speculations about his candidacy in the upcoming re-election for the National Assembly, which coincides with the local elections in June. While he emphasized the need to 'rebuild conservatism through direct confrontation', he refrained from disclosing specific details about his potential candidacy, citing concerns that revealing his intended district could make him a target for political attacks from within his former party.

Within the party and among observers, there are growing expectations that Han may indeed be considering a run in the Daegu by-elections. Currently, there are five sitting members from the People Power Party, who are contending for the Daegu mayoral election, and plans are in motion for them to announce their candidacies for the surrounding district by-elections upon confirmation of their mayoral bids. Han praised Daegu as a region that has historically demonstrated a sense of responsibility towards the nation, stating that his visit symbolized a commitment that transcends political strategy.

Additionally, Han expressed his agreement with the need for administrative integration between Daegu and Gyeongbuk, acknowledging the ongoing challenges of population decline and the increasing concentration in the capital region. He argued that the conversation should revolve around the tangible benefits that could arise from such integration, rather than being purely a political maneuver. Han intends to spend three days in Daegu, visiting local markets and cultural sites, including the Luxurious Alley and the traditional Chilseong Market, culminating in his visit to the Seomun Market, known as a barometer of conservative sentiments in the region.

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