Former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum has signaled a strongly positive response to the Democratic Party of Korea's proposal that he run for Daegu mayor in the June 3 local elections, adding weight to expectations of a formal candidacy announcement. Analysts say his entry into the race could significantly shake up the political landscape in Daegu. Kim is widely expected to officially declare his candidacy when he announces his position on the 30th of this month.
Kim met with Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 26th. "Recently, there have been earnest requests from the Democratic Party and from juniors and old comrades working on the ground in Daegu, asking me to struggle together just one more time," Kim said. "So I thought, 'It would be hard to avoid this,' and I came here today to share my vision for Daegu's development and future with Representative Jeong."
His remarks effectively served as a positive response to the party's persistent courtship in recent weeks.
Kim cited "the weight of public office" as the reason he had been deliberating over the decision. "Having wrapped up my political career, I wondered whether the same passion would come back," he said. "And there was also the weight and fear that comes with public office." He added, "I also considered and agonized over whether it might be better to give the opportunity to a younger generation rather than running myself."
Jeong heaped praise on the former prime minister. "The only winning card for the Daegu election is former Prime Minister Kim," Jeong said. He continued, "Recently, the Democratic Party established 'Just-Do-It-For-You Centers' in local governments as our No. 1 pledge to serve senior citizens, and we want to do everything for Daegu." He added, "If it is something Daegu needs, if it is something the former prime minister wants, I want to become the head of a 'We'll-Do-Anything-For-You Center.'"
Both men expressed shared views on regional development. "Daegu has effectively been under long-term rule by the People Power Party for decades," Jeong said. "Daegu cannot be called the most prosperous among metropolitan cities — in fact, it may be the most underdeveloped and stagnant city." Kim echoed the sentiment, saying, "Some regional cities cannot get back on their feet without what might seem like drastic levels of support." He urged, "I ask that the party keep its promise to ensure that regions where support has been low are not left neglected."
According to a recent poll commissioned by the Yeongnam Ilbo and conducted by Realmeter via wireless ARS from March 22 to 23, Kim led all eight People Power Party primary candidates — including former Korea Communications Commission Chairperson Lee Jin-suk and National Assembly Vice Speaker Joo Ho-young, both of whom were cut off from the nomination — in hypothetical one-on-one matchups for Daegu mayor. In a multi-candidate scenario including all Daegu mayoral contenders, Kim ranked first with 35.6%. Detailed information is available on the National Election Commission website.