347 PPP primary members defect, declare support for Kim Bu-kyum… 'We will repay our past mistakes'

Hankyoreh reports on a significant political development in South Korea's conservative stronghold of Daegu and Gyeongbuk, where a substantial number of People's Power Party (PPP) members have defected to support Democratic Party (DP) candidates. The article highlights the departure of 347 PPP primary members, including prominent figures like Jung Young-geun, CEO of Sewoon Korea, who have publicly declared their support for Kim Bu-kyum, the DP's candidate for Daegu mayor.

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The results of supporting the People's Power Party for the past 30 years have made Daegu the worst city in the country.

These defectors, who had previously supported Lee Jae-man in the PPP's mayoral primary, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the PPP's governance, accusing the party of turning Daegu into the 'worst city in the country' over the past three decades. They described the PPP's approach as treating local residents as 'fish in a basket,' implying a lack of genuine service and a focus on maintaining power rather than fostering regional development. Their decision to switch allegiance is framed as an act of atonement for past mistakes and a commitment to securing a better future for Daegu and its children, believing this path aligns with 'healthy conservatism' and regional progress.

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They viewed the positions of mayor and national assembly member not as positions to serve the region, but as positions to exploit. The People's Power Party treated the citizens of Daegu like fish in a basket.

The article further details other instances of political realignment, such as former three-term Daegu city councilor Kim Gyu-hak joining the DP and running for a metropolitan council seat. Kim cited his agreement with the DP's vision for political change and its inclusive approach to talent, contrasting it with what he perceived as the PPP's regionalist limitations. Similarly, Na Young-min, a former three-term councilor from Gimcheon, announced his candidacy for Gimcheon mayor under the DP banner, emphasizing the need to align with the central government's balanced development strategies and break down political barriers for the city's benefit.

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It is the path to repay even a little of our past mistakes.

From a South Korean perspective, particularly from Hankyoreh's viewpoint, this wave of defections represents a critical juncture. It challenges the long-standing political dominance of conservative parties in regions like Daegu and Gyeongbuk. The narrative presented by the defectors—focusing on practical development, citizen well-being, and a rejection of entrenched political practices—resonates with a growing sentiment for change. The article implies that voters are increasingly prioritizing pragmatic solutions over traditional party affiliations, signaling a potential evolution in the region's political consciousness and a move towards more dynamic, cross-party cooperation for the sake of local advancement.

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This is the calling we must fulfill for the future of Daegu and our children. We believe this is the way to create healthy conservatism and develop Daegu.