Hong Joon-pyo: Campaigning with Park Geun-hye will only darken Daegu's future

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo has sharply criticized former President Park Geun-hye's involvement in campaigning for a ruling party candidate in the upcoming local elections. Hong stated that using Park's image for emotional appeals in voting will only lead to a more dismal future for Daegu.

In a Facebook post, Hong explained his sole endorsement of Kim Bu-gyeom, the Democratic Party candidate for Daegu mayor, during the previous local elections. He cited the need for government support for the TK (Daegu-Gyeongbuk) new airport and a major industrial overhaul, believing only Kim could secure such assistance. This time, however, Hong is openly critical of the ruling party's strategy.

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Using emotional appeals like those associated with former President Park Geun-hye in voting will only lead to a more dismal future for Daegu.

Hong also raised concerns about the ruling party's candidate, questioning whether the Daegu mayor's office would receive support from the current government if the candidate, facing charges of engaging in important state duties as a defendant, has to attend court every week. Hong suggested this might be a personal effort to help the candidate rather than a strategic choice for Daegu's future.

Meanwhile, former President Park Geun-hye visited Daegu's Chilseong Market on May 23 to support candidate Chu Kyung-ho. She has since campaigned for ruling party candidates across several provinces and is scheduled to visit Daegu again. This marks her first election campaign appearance in nine years, since her impeachment in 2017.

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This time, however, Hong is openly critical of the ruling party's strategy.