Former President Park Geun-hye Could Campaign Beyond Daegu, Says Mayoral Hopeful

The suggestion by Yoo Young-ha, a prominent contender for the Daegu mayoral candidacy within the People Power Party, that former President Park Geun-hye might lend her support to campaigns beyond the immediate region, has stirred considerable discussion.

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If we push a little, can't I personally say, 'Please help me once?'

Yoo's remarks, made during an interview, indicate a strategic consideration of Park's potential influence in the upcoming June local elections. He posited that if a significant "turning point" occurs, where the political landscape shifts dramatically, Park, known for her sharp political acumen, might independently decide to engage in campaign activities. This hypothetical intervention could extend as far as Busan, Ulsan, Gyeongnam, and even Gangwon Province, or potentially the Chungcheong region.

The concept of a "turning point" was elaborated by Yoo as a moment, likely within the remaining weeks before the elections, where public opinion experiences significant fluctuations, or a "golden cross" occurs in the polls, signaling a potential shift in electoral fortunes. He believes Park's "excellent political sense" would enable her to discern such a moment and act decisively, a capability he feels is beyond the reach of his own strategic planning.

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If a turning point comes where we need to change the game, perhaps President Park will move based on her own judgment, moving not just Daegu but also Busan, Ulsan, Gyeongnam, and even as far as Gangwon Province.

This speculation comes at a critical juncture for Yoo, who is currently in a primary race for the Daegu mayoral nomination against fellow People Power Party member Choo Kyung-ho. The mention of Park Geun-hye, a figure with a deeply rooted political base, particularly in the Gyeongsang region, inevitably brings her legacy and potential electoral impact into the campaign narrative. Whether this is a strategic maneuver to galvanize support or a genuine belief in Park's continued political relevance, it highlights the enduring significance of her presence in South Korean politics.

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She will make a judgment. 'If I push this much, it will flip,' or 'If I give it a strong push, it will go smoothly.' She watches broadcasts and has her own thoughts, and her political sense is outstanding, so the timing she chooses is something we cannot follow.