Why Daegu’s By-Election is Crucial for South Korea’s Future: Insights from Lee Jin-sook

Translation result [Herald Economy (Daegu)=Reporter Kim Byung-jin] People Power Party pre-candidate Lee Jin-suk opened her campaign office in Hwawon-eup on the afternoon of the 10th, formally launching her run for the National Assembly seat representing Dalseong County in Daegu.

Hundreds turned out for the event, including People Power leader Jang Dong-hyuk; Daegu mayoral candidate Chu Kyung-ho; Gyeongbuk governor candidate Lee Cheol-woo; Daegu party chair Lee In-seon; Daegu co-campaign chair Yoon Jae-ok; party secretary-general Jeong Hee-yong; lawmakers Na Kyung-won, Kwon Young-jin and Lee Dal-hee; as well as local residents, supporters and figures from various sectors.

In his remarks, People Power leader Jang Dong-hyuk said he had met Lee — who had been campaigning vigorously for the Daegu mayoral race — and asked her to come to the National Assembly to help the party confront the Democratic Party and the administration of Lee Jae-myung, noting the party currently lacks sufficient strength.

He acknowledged the nomination process had left some wounds but urged her to go to the Assembly and fight to protect the Republic of Korea. He described Dalseong as a bastion of Korean conservatism and \”the pride of the conservative movement,\” adding, \”I didn’t come because I feared Lee wouldn’t win; I came because I want to see her win overwhelmingly, with more than 90 percent of the vote.\”

Chu Kyung-ho, the People Power pre-candidate for Daegu mayor, told voters that \”Dalseong doesn’t elect someone on the party name alone; residents always scrutinize their choices. I’m reassured that someone far more qualified than I will fill my seat. Please view a vote for Lee Jin-suk as a vote for me,\” he appealed.

Lee Cheol-woo, a Gyeongbuk governor pre-candidate, called Dalseong County a key hub for the future development of Daegu and North Gyeongsang. He said Lee Jin-suk has the drive and communication skills to address local issues and can serve as a bridge between central and local government to promote shared growth for Dalseong and the region.

In her remarks, Lee Jin-suk argued that the June 3 election is not merely about selecting mayors, county heads and lawmakers — it will determine the country’s direction. She accused the Democratic Party, which controls both the legislature and the executive, of attempting to seize local power as well.

\”If the president is guilty, he should stand trial like any ordinary citizen. There is no king in the Republic of Korea,\” she said. \”If Daegu falls to the Democratic Party’s left, Korea will have no future. Dalseong’s future is Daegu’s future.\”

Lee said she is beginning her political journey in Dalseong County and will carry herself with pride. \”I will devote every ounce of my energy to defending liberal democracy,\” she vowed.

The Dalseong County parliamentary by-election was triggered after incumbent lawmaker Chu Kyung-ho resigned his seat to run for Daegu mayor. The Democratic Party nominated Park Hyung-ryong — chair of the Daegu Dalseong district and former director of policy coordination at the Presidential Committee for Balanced National Development — to run against Lee.