Daegu Mayoral Candidate Chu Kyung-ho Bets on Economic Expertise Amidst Political Storm

Chu Kyung-ho, the People Power Party's candidate for Daegu mayor, is making a bold case for his candidacy, centering his campaign on his extensive economic background and his ability to revitalize the city's struggling economy. In a recent interview, Chu asserted that he can feel the rapid consolidation of conservative voters, attributing this momentum to his lifelong experience in economic affairs, including his tenure as Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs. He positions himself as the sole candidate capable of steering Daegu back to prosperity, a stark contrast to his opponent, Kim Bu-kyum of the Democratic Party.

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I feel the scattered conservative supporters consolidating quickly every day. Only I, who served as Deputy Prime Minister for Economy, can revive Daegu's economy.

Chu did not hold back in his criticism of Kim Bu-kyum, questioning his effectiveness and past contributions to Daegu during his time as Prime Minister. Chu argued that Kim failed to deliver tangible results for the city then and questioned his ability to do so now. Furthermore, Chu addressed the legal challenges he faces, specifically charges related to the 12.12 military coup incident. He vehemently denied any wrongdoing, stating that the likelihood of a guilty verdict is akin to being struck by lightning on a clear day, dismissing the accusations as politically motivated attacks.

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Their arrogance is sky-high. The public will surely deliver a stern judgment.

The candidate also touched upon the broader political landscape, including the Democratic Party's proposed special prosecutor bill, which he described as an act of arrogance that the public will sternly judge. He also revealed that he had visited former President Park Geun-hye, who reportedly emphasized Daegu's crucial role as the heart of conservatism. This visit, while not explicitly a request for endorsement, signals Chu's effort to rally the traditional conservative base.

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When he was Prime Minister under the Moon Jae-in administration, he did nothing for Daegu. That is the assessment of the citizens. Can someone who wasn't even a pro-Lee Jae-myung figure achieve it now?

Chu's campaign strategy appears to be a dual focus: leveraging his economic credentials to appeal to voters concerned about Daegu's future and reinforcing the city's identity as a conservative stronghold. By highlighting his experience and dismissing legal challenges, he aims to project an image of strength and competence, contrasting sharply with what he portrays as his opponent's lack of substance and the opposition's perceived overreach. The narrowing gap in recent polls suggests his strategy might be resonating with the electorate.

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The probability of being found guilty is lower than the probability of being struck by lightning on a clear day.