The People Power Party excluded three people, including six-term lawmaker Joo Ho-young and former Korea Communications Commission Chairperson Lee Jin-sook, from nomination (cutoff) in the June 3 local elections primary for Daegu mayor. The primary will be a six-way race among four-term Yoon Jae-ok (Daegu Dalseo-gu-eul), three-term Choo Kyung-ho (Daegu Dalseong-gun), first-term Yoo Young-ha (Daegu Dalseo-gu-gap), and first-term Choi Eun-seok (Daegu Dong-gu·Gunwi-gun-gap).
People Power Party nomination committee Chairperson Lee Jung-hyun held a briefing at the central party headquarters in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, in the afternoon and stated accordingly. Lee said, "To overcome the crisis facing Daegu at a turning point, what is needed is not a contest of political careers but a contest of the ability to transform the city," adding, "We will build a practical and future-oriented competitive structure around six candidates with on-site experience in administration, the economy, policy, integration, and industry."
The Chairperson said of the candidates who were cut off, "Rather than staying in the single office of Daegu mayor, it is more necessary for the entire Republic of Korea that they be used more broadly across the National Assembly and national politics." The Chairperson added, "This decision is not about excluding specific individuals, but a responsible choice asking those who were excluded to play a bigger role."
The People Power Party plans to hold debates and a preliminary primary for the six candidates, select two to advance to the main primary, and then finalize the nominee.