Jung Chung-rae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, hinted at a meeting with Ha Jung-woo, senior secretary for AI future planning at the presidential office, saying the party is "making every effort to recruit" him.
On the afternoon of the 8th, after a livelihood experience visit to a grape farm in Sangju, North Gyeongsang, Leader Jung told reporters, when asked about preparations for the by-election, that the party is "making every effort" and added, "Just as we made repeated earnest appeals to recruit candidate Kim Boo-kyum, we will do so again this time."
Regarding Secretary General Cho Seung-rae of the Democratic Party meeting with Secretary Ha, he said, "I also plan to meet Senior Secretary Ha Jung-woo soon," adding, "There will be a day when the party officially and publicly asks him to run."
Busan Buk-gap is the constituency of Democratic Party lawmaker Chun Jae-soo, who is running for Busan mayor. If Chun is confirmed as the Democratic Party's Busan mayoral candidate, a by-election will be held. In political circles, Senior Secretary Ha is seen as a strong potential recruit.
As for Rebuilding Korea Party leader Cho Kuk's visit to Daegu, Leader Jung drew a line, saying, "I have no particular thoughts. I didn't even know he was coming," and, "As the Democratic Party's leader, I am only working for the Democratic Party's victory."
Leader Jung also said, "Regardless of the outcome of the local elections, I think we should push for Daegu–North Gyeongsang integration," adding, "As former Prime Minister Kim said, because the new airport issue cannot be resolved with only Daegu City's capacity, we will continue to pursue it as a national project."