2026 Dae-gu Election: Will National Power’s Strategy Unite Supporters Amidst Uncertainty?

Translation result

Choo Kyung-ho, the People Power Party’s candidate for mayor of Daegu, said the large turnout at the Democratic Party’s office opening is a sign of instability in the race.

On the 27th, Choo said he had expected many people to attend Candidate Kim’s opening but argued the turnout reflected the Democrats’ unease and amounted to a public display intended to project strength. He added that it signaled anxiety about the Daegu mayoral contest.

He said he was confident the event would have the opposite effect, helping to consolidate People Power supporters and party members.

Choo questioned whether the Democrats had promised substantial support, saying, “They said they’d open their bundles, but when they did, they were empty.” He argued that the show of force would instead prompt a rallying of People Power’s base.

He also noted that a single candidate has been finalized and that many have joined the unified lineup, adding that their support base is now likely to coalesce quickly.

On the possibility of support from Joo Ho-young, the National Assembly’s deputy speaker who withdrew after the nomination cutoff, Choo said he will continue to ask Joo to serve as a senior figure to help secure victory in Daegu.

Regarding cooperation with Lee Jin-sook, the former Korea Communications Commission chair who also withdrew from the race, Choo said he had contacted her but would not discuss specifics. He added that she has agreed to fully align with and support him.