In the People Power Party "June 3 local elections" primary for Daegu mayor, six-term lawmaker Joo Ho-young and former Korea Communications Commission Chairperson Lee Jin-sook, who were excluded from nomination (cut off), publicly pushed back.
On the 22nd, Joo said on his social media (SNS), "Chairperson Lee Jung-hyun of the People Power Party nomination committee's decision today is a declaration to give up the Daegu mayoral race," adding, "I cannot accept this decision." He continued, "In any poll, both I and former Chairperson Lee consistently ranked first and second," and asked, "Does a primary without No. 1 and No. 2, leaving the remaining people to compete, help the Daegu mayoral election?"
Regarding the cut-off decision, Joo said, "I will follow self-help procedures within the party," and added, "If Chairperson Lee cannot provide a reasonable explanation for the questions and issues I raised, I will stake everything to defend the pride and sovereignty of Daegu citizens." He said, "Correcting the tyranny of the nomination committee is the last duty of my political life," and added, "I will never remain silent in the face of an unjust decision."
Former Chairperson Lee also issued a statement the same day, saying she recently led in opinion polls, and noted, "Given the plan to push for a citizens' primary, it is incomprehensible that the nomination committee cut off a leading candidate." She added, "I strongly urge the nomination committee to reconsider today's decision for victory in the local elections," and said, "I will soon announce additional positions, including my future course."
That afternoon, Chairperson Lee held a briefing at the central party headquarters in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul, and said three people, including Joo and former Chairperson Lee, were cut off. Regarding the cut-offs, Lee explained, "Rather than remaining in the single post of Daegu mayor, it is more necessary for the Republic of Korea as a whole that they be used more broadly in the National Assembly and overall national politics," adding, "It is a responsible choice to ask those excluded to play a bigger role."
The People Power Party primary for Daegu mayor is expected to be a six-way race among four-term Yoon Jae-ok, three-term Choo Kyung-ho, first-term Yoo Young-ha, first-term Choi Eun-seok, and others. The People Power Party plans to select two finalists for the main primary after debates and a preliminary primary among six candidates, then confirm the final nominee in the main primary.