Former People Power Party (PPP) leader Han Dong-hoon visited Daegu, known as the "heart of conservatism," signaling his intention to run in upcoming by-elections, saying he would "step forward to break through this crisis, come what may."
"In this difficult and chaotic situation, is there any political force saying 'I will solve this problem'? They're just standing by idly," Han said at Seomun Market in Daegu on Feb. 27. "Daegu has always confronted national problems head-on rather than avoiding them. The rebuilding of conservatism must start from Daegu."
Supporters packed three floors of a shopping building to meet Han, a stark contrast to the cold reception PPP leader Jang Dong-hyuk received during his Feb. 11 visit to the same market. Pro-Han PPP lawmakers including Bae Hyun-jin, Park Jung-hoon, Woo Jae-joon, Jung Sung-kook, Kim Ye-ji, Ahn Sang-hoon, and Jin Jong-oh joined the event to show support.
"Daegu is not just home to right-wing supporters," Han emphasized. "When problems arose for the nation, Daegu has always stepped up with responsibility and pride. If a movement to overcome the Yoon Suk-yeol line emerges from the majority in Daegu, we can quickly overcome the current difficulties."
Public sentiment in the Daegu-North Gyeongsang region, traditionally a conservative stronghold, is showing deepening cracks. According to a recent NBS nationwide survey, PPP support among Daegu residents stood at 28%, tied with the Democratic Party of Korea. Positive ratings for President Lee Jae-myung's administration exceeded 50% at 56%. Political observers suggest Han's visit reflects awareness of the shifting regional sentiment.
Han also hinted at a possible by-election candidacy. Asked about the possibility, he said, "There's no reason to rule it out," adding that "this is truly a time when conservative rebuilding is needed, and citizens must lead the wind of reconstruction."
The Democratic Party leadership also targeted Daegu voters, commemorating the Feb. 28 Daegu Democracy Movement. Party leader Jung Chung-rae held a supreme council meeting in Daegu, saying, "I am truly pleased to honor the noble spirit of Daegu, where the first democracy movement in our history began. Now is the time to restore Daegu's status."
Jung also took aim at the PPP, which faces internal strife over the Daegu-North Gyeongsang integration bill. "We're offering to invest 5 trillion won annually, 20 trillion won in total, with various special provisions and powers to improve the lives of Daegu and North Gyeongsang residents, yet lawmakers from this region are opposing the policy," he said. "If integration falls through, it will be 100% the responsibility of the People Power Party."