[Herald Economy (Daegu)=Reporter Kim Byung-jin] Kim Bu-gyeom, the Democratic Party’s candidate for mayor of Daegu, opened his campaign office in Dalseo District on the afternoon of the 26th, backed by broad support from pro-government allies.About 50 current and former pro-government lawmakers—among them party leader Jeong Cheong-rae, members of the Party for National Innovation, and independents—turned out en masse in a major show of force.
The event attracted extra attention because the People Power Party on the same day finalized its Daegu mayoral candidate: three-term lawmaker and former deputy prime minister for economic affairs Choo Kyung-ho. With his nomination, the contest between the two major parties was set.
At the opening ceremony, Kim directed his remarks at the People Power Party, asking, “Is the mayor of Daegu’s role to fight? If the mayor spends time fighting, who will get the work done?” He urged voters to “use me as a disciplinary stick and jolt the People Power Party into shape.”
He added that Daegu must teach the People Power Party a lesson this time to save the country, correct national politics, and, above all, revive Daegu. “Let’s give Daegu a chance,” he said, raising his voice.
Democratic Party leaders pledged full support for Daegu.
Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae said, “Among all the local-election efforts, Kim Bu-gyeom is the candidate we have worried over and pursued most persistently.” He promised, “With top-level star marketing and a reliable winning strategy, the party will provide full support in its name for projects such as making Daegu a robotics hub, accelerating the transition to artificial intelligence, and completing the new Daegu–Gyeongbuk airport.”
Jeong added, “We will run the Daegu–Gyeongbuk campaign using Kim Bu-gyeom’s face. The central party will support the campaign without interfering.” He pledged tailored assistance: “If Kim asks the party leader to come, we will come; if he says don’t come, we will stay away. We will provide exactly the support Kim requests.”
In a video message, former President Moon Jae-in appealed for support, saying, “Like Roh Moo-hyun—sometimes called ‘Fool Roh’—Kim Bu-gyeom rejected the easy path and did not break even when regionalism pushed him down. People of Daegu, please accept Kim.” He added, “If Daegu rallies behind him, Kim will become an even greater leader. Help him grow so he can do more for Daegu.”
