People Power Party's Choo Kyung-ho, Daegu Mayoral Candidate: "Daegu's Economic Landscape Must Change"... Pledges Emergency Economic Situation Room if Elected

"Regrettable Lack of Communication from Hong Joon-pyo"

Asia Forum 21 Invited Discussion

Choo Kyung-ho, the People Power Party candidate for mayor of Daegu, stated on May 7, "If elected, I will immediately launch an emergency economic situation room upon taking office."

At a discussion forum hosted by 'Asia Forum 21', a gathering of veteran journalists from the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region, held at 7:30 a.m. that day, Choo said, "Whenever I meet citizens, I consistently hear that the Daegu economy is struggling. They ask me to revive Daegu’s economy." He added, "If elected, I will focus on stabilizing the livelihoods of ordinary people. I plan to operate an emergency economic situation room and run an emergency economic countermeasures committee as soon as I take office."

Chu Kyung-ho, the Daegu mayoral candidate of the People Power Party, is speaking while listening to reporters' questions. Photo provided by Asia Forum 21

Choo stressed, "Daegu’s economic problems cannot be solved simply by injecting more budget funds or attracting more companies." He continued, "Drawing on my experience as Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, a three-term National Assembly member, and a floor leader, I will transform Daegu’s economic landscape. My plan is to foster five new major industries, including AI and semiconductors, so that they harmonize with existing traditional industries."

Choo also proposed, "To address key issues in Daegu, such as the construction of the new airport, I will hold roundtable meetings with the participation of civil society."

He then commented on former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, saying, "While I agree with some aspects of his push for Daegu’s rise, I believe there were communication issues in the process. There were considerable shortcomings in communicating not only with the media but also with various sectors of society." He emphasized, "Policy begins and ends with the media. Even if I find media criticism uncomfortable, I will accept it."

He also remarked, "I am curious about what Democratic Party candidate Kim Boo-kyum did for Daegu during his time as Prime Minister and National Assembly member." He clarified, "I have no intention of political strife, but I would like to ask candidate Kim about his position on the special bill for withdrawal of public prosecution, solely from the perspective of Daegu citizens."

Choo further stated, "The administrative integration of Daegu and Gyeongbuk and the construction of the new airport are absolutely necessary." He added, "I work well with Lee Cheol-woo, the People Power Party candidate for Governor of North Gyeongsang Province, and there is no room for disagreement between us. If elected, we can immediately begin preparations."

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