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Jang Dong-hyuk: Lee Jin-sook is a 'Great Political Asset' After Daegu Mayoral Bid Withdrawal

Jang Dong-hyuk: Lee Jin-sook is a 'Great Political Asset' After Daegu Mayoral Bid Withdrawal

From Dong-A Ilbo · (14m ago) Korean Positive tone

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Lee Jin-sook, former Chairperson of the Korea Communications Standards Commission, announced she will not run for Daegu mayor in the upcoming by-election.
  • Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, praised her decision as a "great political asset" for the party and the nation.
  • Lee Jin-sook stated her commitment to protecting Daegu as the "last bastion of liberal democracy," leaving the door open for a potential run in a different capacity.

The People Power Party is celebrating Lee Jin-sook's decision to forgo a mayoral bid in Daegu, viewing her as a valuable asset. Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk lauded her "great political asset" status, urging her to continue defending the party and South Korea. This sentiment reflects a broader appreciation within the party for Lee's dedication and potential contributions, even in a non-elected capacity.

Thank you for your great decision... Please protect the People Power Party and Daegu.

— Jang Dong-hyukPraising Lee Jin-sook's decision not to run for Daegu mayor.

Lee Jin-sook herself expressed her unwavering commitment to Daegu, describing it as the "last bastion of liberal democracy." While she has stepped down from the mayoral race, her team has not entirely closed the door on her participation in the by-election, suggesting a possibility of her running in a different role. This strategic ambiguity allows the party to maintain flexibility while leveraging Lee's public profile and political capital.

She is a great political asset for our party.

— Jang Dong-hyukDescribing Lee Jin-sook's value to the People Power Party.

From a South Korean perspective, Lee Jin-sook's decision and the party's reaction highlight the intricate dynamics of local politics and the importance of strategic alliances. The emphasis on defending Daegu as a symbol of liberal democracy underscores the ideological underpinnings of the political landscape. The People Power Party's efforts to retain influence in Daegu, a traditional stronghold, are crucial for their national standing, making Lee's potential involvement, in whatever form, a significant factor.

I have no intention other than to protect Daegu as the last bastion of liberal democracy.

— Lee Jin-sookExplaining her commitment to Daegu after announcing her withdrawal from the mayoral race.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.