Seo Byung-su and Park Hyung-jun Express Intent to Run for 'Busan Mayor'... "Open to Possibilities and Considering" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Seo Byeong-su, a five-term senior member of the People Power Party, and Park Hyung-joon, former co-chairman of the United Future Party's election committee, have expressed their intention to run as candidates in the Busan mayoral by-election scheduled for April next year.

On the 16th, Seo said on BBS Radio's 'Park Kyung-soo's Morning Journal,' "Politics should always keep all possibilities open."

He added, "Having served as mayor for four years, I was unable to fully realize the dreams I had, so I still hold those dreams," but also said, "Now that I am a senior lawmaker, even if I have dreams and want to pursue them, I cannot act arbitrarily."

Seo expressed a cautious attitude, saying, "There will likely be an impact on the presidential election the year after next," and "In that regard, it must be carefully considered, and the opinions of the residents who first elected me in Busan Jin-gu Gap are the most important."

Regarding the timing of his decision to run for Busan mayor, he replied, "Our party needs to be somewhat reorganized, and the election rules and such need to be established."

On the situation in the National Assembly, Seo emphasized, "If cooperation is to happen, the side with power must be willing to concede, which is a big challenge," and added, "If we are to talk about cooperation, the distribution of standing committee chairmanships must be reconsidered."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Former Chairman Park also told Asia Economy in a phone interview that "I have not left Busan for 30 years and have affection for Busan," and "Although I have not made a final decision yet, I am actively considering it."

He served as chairman of the Innovation and Integration Promotion Committee, leading the integration process of the United Future Party's predecessor, the United Party, and later played an active role as co-chairman of the election committee in subsequent elections. Park emphasized, "The country's leadership cannot continue as it is," and "This by-election is connected to the upcoming presidential election."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.