Kim Boo-kyum, former Prime Minister, expressed his intention to pay a courtesy visit to former President Park Geun-hye.
Kim made the remarks to reporters on Thursday before a nomination screening interview at the Democratic Party of Korea headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul.
Kim said the visit to former President Park would be a matter of courtesy and respect. "I plan to visit 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 visit as a gesture of respect is the proper thing to do."
However, he was cautious about the timing of the visit. "Yoo Young-ha, a candidate who used to assist former President Park, is also in the middle of a primary process, so it would not be appropriate to discuss this now," Kim said. "I will request a visit after the process is concluded."
Kim also declared that he would emphasize his own independent political stance in Daegu, distinct from the Democratic Party's official line. "Public sentiment in Daegu still has 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."