Ju Ho-young Declines Daegu Mayoral Run... Urges Jang Dong-hyuk to Know When to Step Back

by Woo Sooyoun

Published 23 Apr.2026 15:14(KST)

Updated 23 Apr.2026 15:53(KST)

Press Conference Held on the 23rd Following Dismissal of Injunction Appeal

Ju Ho-young, a member of the People Power Party who was cut off from the party nomination for the June 3 local elections, announced on April 23 that he will not run as an independent candidate and has decided not to participate in the election. Ju directly addressed Jang Dong-hyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, saying, "I hope you know when to advance and when to step back."

On this day, Ju held a press conference at the National Assembly's communication center in Yeouido, Seoul, stating, "I have decided not to run in the upcoming June 3 local elections," and added, "Although the court's decision to dismiss my injunction appeal is very disappointing, this absurd outcome of the nomination cannot be justified."

Yonhap News Agency

He said, "The reason I pursued this matter to the end, even taking legal action, was to put an end to outdated nomination manipulation," and claimed, "The cause of the conservative camp's disastrous election defeats has been nomination irregularities, which ultimately led to the impeachment of presidents from our party."

He also mentioned the rising approval ratings of Kim Boo-kyum, the Democratic Party's candidate for Daegu mayor, stating, "As Kim is now leading the People Power Party candidate in opinion polls, I judged that under the current primary system it would be difficult to prevent this outcome."

He further explained, "The longer the dispute over whether I would run continues, the more it could complicate the election rather than help it," and declared, "Although I feel disappointment towards the party, I have decided not to run a campaign that pits me against longtime party members."

Finally, he addressed Leader Jang, saying, "There is a saying that when one lacks character but holds high office, and has little wisdom but great ambition, few avoid disaster," and emphasized, "Please, know when to advance and when to step back."