Hong Eui-rak Declares Against Daegu Mayoral Run – Structural Limitations Cited

10일 페이스북 통해 불출마 입장문 발표···“정치 변화, 개인 결단만으로 안 돼” 
“선의가 오해로, 미래가 고립되는 현실 확인···시민의 언어로 책임 다할 것” 
민주당 대구시당 ‘인물난’ 비상

Former lawmaker Hong Eui-rak of the Democratic Party of Korea officially declared on the 10th that he will not run in the Daegu mayoral election in June. As former lawmaker Hong, who was a strong candidate in the party, finally gave up his position, the difficulties of the Daegu City Party of the Democratic Party, which is experiencing a shortage of personnel, deepened further.

“I have decided not to continue running for mayor of Daegu,” said former lawmaker Hong in a “Message to the Citizens of Daegu” posted on his Facebook page on this day. “This choice is not avoidance, but judgment, and not giving up, but a standard.”

He cited realistic difficulties and lack of momentum in local politics as the reason for not running. Former lawmaker Hong said, “Change in politics does not come about through individual decisions alone,” and “No matter how much you have the right awareness of the problem and a clear direction, if you do not come together to carry that goal together, the challenge can become another burden.”

He expressed his disappointment by describing the difficulties he experienced during the preparation for the last election as ‘structural limitations.’ Former lawmaker Hong wrote, “I once again confirmed the reality that good intentions turn into misunderstandings, raising issues is consumed by division, and voices trying to talk about the future are easily isolated in the face of the current order.”

However, he emphasized that he would not let go of his role in changing Daegu. He pledged, “I will take a step back from political competition, but I will not back down from responsibility,” and “I will continue to ask and speak about the future of this city in the language of citizens, not the language of politics.”

Previously, on the 20th of last month, former lawmaker Hong appealed to former Prime Minister Kim Boo-gyeom to run in the Daegu mayoral election and hit Bae Su-jin, who temporarily suspended his election campaign. However, as former Prime Minister Kim’s candidacy became uncertain and unity within the party became difficult, it is interpreted that the final decision was made to not run.

With former lawmaker Hong’s departure, the Daegu City Party of the Democratic Party was put on alert. In a situation where there is no suitable alternative, former Prime Minister Kim’s candidacy is being discussed as the only option, but the situation is not easy, with former Prime Minister Kim recently drawing a line through the media, saying, “I have no intention of running.”

/Reporter Goseil ksr1@kbmaeil.com