The Democratic Party of Korea on Saturday nominated former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum as its sole candidate for Daegu mayor in the June 3 local elections.
Kim Yi-su, chairman of the party's nomination management committee, announced the result after completing candidate interviews at the party's headquarters in Yeouido.
"The central nomination committee unanimously selected candidate Kim as the Daegu metropolitan mayor nominee," Chairman Kim said.
"Candidate Kim is one of the candidates who symbolizes the Democratic Party's identity of endlessly challenging regionalism," he added. "His experience as a four-term National Assembly member and his career as Minister of the Interior and Safety and Prime Minister are deemed more than sufficient to lead Daegu."
Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Kim said he would seek a courtesy visit to former President Park. "I plan to visit former senior figures and former mayors in the Daegu area," he said. "Former President Park is also a former national elder and a senior figure in the local community, so paying a courtesy visit is the proper thing to do."
However, he was cautious about the timing of the visit. "Candidate Yoo Young-ha, who supported former President Park, is also in the middle of a primary process, so it would not be appropriate to discuss this now," he said. "I will request a visit after the process is completed."
Kim also declared that he would pursue "his own politics" in Daegu, potentially diverging from the Democratic Party's line. "Public sentiment in Daegu has still not changed significantly," he said. "If necessary during the election campaign, I have no choice but to speak in my own voice." He added, "There will be times when this clashes with the party's direction. I ask for understanding on those matters."