Choo Kyung-ho, the People Power Party's preliminary candidate for Daegu mayor, said the upcoming local elections will mark "a critical turning point where voters simultaneously choose between Daegu's economy and South Korea's democracy."
"If local power also tilts to one side, no one will be able to provide checks and balances," Choo said in an interview with The Seoul Economic Daily on Oct. 30 at his campaign office in Suseong-gu, Daegu. "I can feel on the ground that support has been rapidly consolidating since my candidacy was confirmed."
Choo pledged to focus on nurturing future industries, including artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, future mobility, biotechnology and semiconductors. "Developing the advanced semiconductor industry will be a key pillar," he stressed.
In particular, he emphasized that building a second semiconductor complex, including attracting a Samsung chip plant, would serve as a symbolic and substantive turning point to break Daegu's economic slump.
-How is the atmosphere on the ground?
△Senior citizens I meet in the field scold us, saying, "People Power Party, please come to your senses. If things continue like this, everyone will turn away." It's not simply criticism but the heart of parents worried their children may go astray. I will not let go of the hand that held on to the conservatives whenever we wavered, and I will steadily do what needs to be done, one step at a time. Since my candidacy was confirmed, support has been consolidating rapidly.
-You are promoting the slogan "For the economy, Choo Kyung-ho."
△Daegu's problem is not simply an economic downturn but the limits of its industrial structure. I will fundamentally change that structure through a "grand overhaul." Immediately upon taking office, I will begin drafting a supplementary budget and launch an investment attraction task force. I will create jobs and build a structure that brings young people back.
-Ultimately, companies, young people and jobs must flow into the city.
△It is a structural problem that has accumulated over a long period. An approach that changes the industrial landscape itself is needed. I believe attracting a Samsung semiconductor plant could be a substantive turning point that breaks Daegu's economic slump. I will provide locations that companies find attractive and boldly improve various permit and licensing procedures.
-The TK (Daegu-Gyeongbuk) new airport project remains at a standstill.
△The TK new airport is a national strategic project. Relocating a military airport is directly linked to national security, so the state must inherently take responsibility for it. It must be converted into a national project. I will persuade the government by designing it comprehensively, covering balanced national development, logistics and industrial competitiveness.
-There are growing concerns about a split among conservatives.
△The key to consolidating the conservative base is returning to the people's sentiment. Citizens are asking for two things: revive Daegu's economy and preserve the balance of power. If we keep talking only about the past, consolidation will be difficult. I will meet citizens with a humble posture, acknowledge our shortcomings, and restore trust through results.
-Lee Cheol-woo, the Gyeongbuk gubernatorial candidate, proposed forming a joint campaign committee with Daegu.
△I agree with the intent. We are reviewing whether there are aspects to consider under current law. Daegu and Gyeongbuk must protect the heart of the conservative movement with the spirit of a single team.
-Within the party, voices are emerging calling for Chang Dong-hyuk's leadership to step back to a secondary role.
△I think this reflects the awareness that the People Power Party must better meet the public's expectations. As party leader, he will make the most appropriate choice, taking into account the overall landscape and strategy.
