Chang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party (PPP), publicly urged Lee Jin-suk, former chairperson of the Korea Communications Commission, to run in a by-election after she was cut off from the party's primary for the Daegu mayoral race.
Appearing on Maeil Shinmun's YouTube channel on Monday, Chang said, "Former Chairperson Lee is an exceptionally capable person and a major political asset for our party. If she comes to the National Assembly and fights, it would be a tremendous boost for the party."
He went on to address polls showing Lee leading among opposition candidates for the Daegu mayoral race. "That is why I am presenting a new alternative where she can play a different role for the party," Chang stressed.
Lee has continued campaigning as a self-declared "preliminary candidate for Daegu mayor" even after being cut off from the party nomination last month. She hinted at a possible independent run, saying, "I will save Daegu by earning the choice of Daegu citizens through a 'citizens' primary.'"