Hong Joon-pyo, a former Daegu mayor and member of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), declared his support for former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, who has entered the Daegu mayoral race.
"I support former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum because I hope the Daegu mayor will be someone who is competent and can negotiate with the central government," Hong wrote on Facebook on Monday.
"Busan is a swing voter region, so the Democratic Party builds Gadeok New Airport and relocates the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries there," Hong said. "Since Daegu votes stubbornly for one party, the Democratic Party administration doesn't help and treats it like an abandoned child."
He added, "Daegu's National Assembly members were all elected because of the party, not because of their own competitiveness. A local government head should be an administrator, not a fighter."
However, Hong cautioned against overinterpretation. "I would like people to see this as my supporting Kim Boo-kyum, not supporting the Democratic Party," he said. He also stated firmly, "I will not hold any meeting with former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum as reported by the media, as it could amplify misunderstandings."