Former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum has been confirmed as the Democratic Party of Korea's candidate for Daegu mayor. The Democratic Party of Korea held interviews at the Yeouido headquarters on the morning of the 3rd to nominate a Daegu mayoral candidate, then confirmed former Prime Minister Kim as its candidate.
Before the interview, former Prime Minister Kim met with reporters and said, "It's been a long time since I've taken a test like this in the party's official procedure, like a student," adding, "I will present firm resolve before the interviewers today."
Regarding a courtesy call on former President Park Geun-hye that day, former Prime Minister Kim said, "I plan to call on senior elders and former mayors in the Daegu region, and as former President Park is also a former national elder and a respected figure in the local community, I believe paying a visit as a greeting is the proper thing to do."
However, "as political procedures are underway at the moment, it is difficult to make requests that could cause misunderstandings," adding, "I plan to request a visit after all procedures are concluded."
Former Prime Minister Kim also offered an assessment of the regional economy at the interview site. In response to a question from Democratic Party of Korea Nomination Management Chairperson Kim Yi-soo about Daegu's economic situation, he said, "Daegu has declined significantly, including in the livelihood economy, and the pace is fast," diagnosing that "future growth engines, especially youth jobs, are woefully lacking." He then stressed, "For now, the government's will and fiscal input are necessary."
Asked how to develop Daegu, former Prime Minister Kim said, "An industrial upgrade through the artificial intelligence grand transition promised when Lee Jae-myung was a presidential candidate is needed," adding, "For this, a clear vision and the government's determination must back it up."
He also stated his position on key regional infrastructure issues. Former Prime Minister Kim said, "The transfer of the Daegu K-2 Air Base has been elevated from a simple military airport relocation to essential infrastructure to rebuild the regional industry," explaining, "It is indispensable social overhead capital for advancing overseas in the machinery and robotics industry linked with the Gumi Industrial Complex and for improving logistics." He emphasized, "The government should not leave this solely to Daegu City but should demonstrate bold support as part of balanced national development."
That day, immediately after the interview screening, the Democratic Party of Korea confirmed former Prime Minister Kim as its Daegu mayoral candidate. Chairperson Kim said, "The central party's nomination committee unanimously selected candidate Kim Boo-kyum as the Daegu metropolitan mayoral candidate."
He went on, "We judged that his experience as a four-term National Assembly member, Minister of the Interior and Safety, and prime minister leaves nothing lacking in leading Daegu," and said, "We earnestly ask Daegu citizens and the public to encourage candidate Kim Boo-kyum, who is taking on the challenge of overcoming regionalism as if it were his destiny."