On the morning of the 11th, Democratic Party of Korea Gyeongbuk governor candidate Oh Joong-gi held a press conference at the National Assembly press room in Yeouido, Seoul, and said, "Through the local elections, we will judge the forces that condone insurrection and save North Gyeongsang, which is on the brink of extinction."
Aiming at People Power Party Gyeongbuk governor candidate Lee Cheol-woo, Oh said, "A far-right figure who in the past shouted 'His Excellency Yoon' on social media and sang the national anthem at rallies opposing impeachment," adding, "If such a person becomes a three-term governor, the complete end of insurrection in the Republic of Korea will be impossible."
Oh went on to say, "The reality of North Gyeongsang, monopolized by a specific party for the past 30 years, is isolation and neglect." Citing several indicators—North Gyeongsang's population falling below 2.5 million, the nation's lowest birth growth rate, and the fewest number of doctors—he described the province as "a land of extinction."
Oh said, "We must now expel parasite-like politics that live off ideology debates and collect free votes by leaning on regionalism."
As a pledge for the Gyeongbuk governorship, Oh said, "We will leverage the East Coast new industry belt and the integrated new airport to draw bold investment and rebuild North Gyeongsang as a new engine for the Republic of Korea." He also said, "Through a dense regional medical network and education innovation, we will complete an 'advanced-nation-style welfare community' where everyone from children to seniors is happy."
Labeling this election as a fight for victory in the history of democracy, Oh said, "North Gyeongsang must change for the Republic of Korea to change," and asked for support "so that a 'blue' wave can rise in North Gyeongsang."