Kim Kyu-hak’s Bold Move: What His Shift to the Democratic Party Means for Daegu’s Future

Translation result [Herald Economy (Daegu) — Reporter Kim Byung-jin] Former Daegu city councilor Kim Gyu-hak announced on the 29th that he is leaving the People Power Party and will run as a Democratic Party candidate for the Daegu City Council in Buk-gu’s 5th district.

At a press conference at the Democratic Party’s Daegu city office, Kim explained his decision: “For many years I served in a conservative party and worked alongside residents in local politics to advance Buk-gu, but I can no longer expect the People Power Party to pursue politics that serve the people.”

He added, “During the Buk-gu mayoral race I witnessed competition tainted by unfairness and mistrust, party-driven lineups and power struggles, and a reality in which certain factions’ interests were placed ahead of residents’. In a party structure where residents disappear and vested interests remain, I could no longer find hope.”

“Politics must exist for the people and be used to improve residents’ lives,” he said. “But the People Power Party has been consumed by internal power struggles and the pursuit of private interests rather than the well‑being of residents. I chose to break decisively and take a new path.”

Kim also outlined his vision for Buk-gu’s development.

His main pledges include expanding support for youth employment and startups, redeveloping aging residential areas and expanding community facilities (living SOC), strengthening education, cultural and sports infrastructure, revitalizing small businesses and traditional markets, and improving transportation to enhance the district’s competitiveness.

Kim said, “This election is not a partisan battle but a choice about Buk-gu’s future. Voters should judge us on competence, not faction; on action, not words. I will build a new Buk-gu with residents. I will stand humbly at their side and repay their trust with results.”

Kim served three terms on the Daegu City Council as a member of the conservative party that preceded the People Power Party, holding posts including chair of the Budget and Accounts Special Committee. Ahead of the June 3 local elections, he applied for the People Power Party’s nomination for Buk-gu mayor but was cut from the party’s shortlist.