Lee Jin-sook, former Commissioner of the Korea Communications Commission (KCC) and a member of the People Power Party (PPP), has declared her non-candidacy for the Daegu mayoral election. This withdraws her previous indication of running as an independent after being cut off in the party's primary. With this decision, the PPP has established a conservative united front in Daegu, laying the groundwork for a victory in a one-on-one contest against the Democratic Party.

The People Power Party (PPP) is reportedly relieved following the official declaration by former Commissioner Lee Jin-sook that she will not run for the Daegu mayoral election. Commissioner Lee had previously hinted at running as an independent in the June 3 local elections after being cut off in the party's primary. However, on April 25, 2026, she held a press conference at the PPP Daegu City Chapter office to announce her non-candidacy for the mayoral race. This declaration, following Representative Joo Ho-young's decision not to run, signifies that the variable of an independent candidate in the Daegu region has been completely resolved. The PPP assesses that this has allowed them to form a one-on-one contest against the Democratic Party in Daegu, often called the 'heart of conservatism,' thereby establishing a firm foundation for electoral victory.

▲ Lee Jin-sook's Non-Candidacy

Senior Spokesperson Park Sung-hoon met with reporters at the National Assembly and highly praised former Commissioner Lee's decision. He emphasized, "We highly value former Commissioner Lee's decision, made after much deliberation, for the sake of the party," adding, "I am confident that her dedication and sacrifice will be a valuable foundation for victory in the Daegu mayoral election." Representatives Choo Kyung-ho and Yoo Young-ha, who advanced to the final round of the Daegu mayoral primary, also welcomed former Commissioner Lee's resolve. Representative Choo stated on his Facebook page, "I express my deep respect for Commissioner Lee's decision to willingly step down," and "With the Commissioner's decision, the united front of the liberal democratic camp has been completed." Representative Yoo also stressed the importance of unity in a press release, saying, "Now is the time for us to put aside conflict and competition and unite our strength." The People Power Party is scheduled to announce its Daegu mayoral candidate on April 26, 2026.

▲ PPP's Relief and United Front

With former Commissioner Lee's declaration of non-candidacy, the People Power Party's Daegu mayoral primary has solidified into a two-way contest between Representative Choo Kyung-ho and Representative Yoo Young-ha. The party expects a more robust conservative united front to form after the candidate selection. The prevailing analysis is that once the party's candidate is confirmed, they can secure a decisive advantage in Daegu. In this context, some within the party are suggesting that former Commissioner Lee should be considered for nomination in a by-election for a National Assembly seat as compensation for her sacrifice. If a by-election were to take place in the Daegu constituency of the confirmed PPP candidate, the option of nominating former Commissioner Lee for that district is being discussed.

Regarding this, Senior Spokesperson Park Sung-hoon stated, "Because party members clearly saw former Commissioner Lee's love for the party during this withdrawal process (as a preliminary candidate), the nomination management committee will reasonably reflect these aspects and make a wise judgment," leaving the possibility open. Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk also expressed his gratitude for former Commissioner Lee's "great decision" on his Facebook page, evaluating her as "a valuable political asset to our party." Leader Jang requested of former Commissioner Lee, "Please protect Daegu with the People Power Party. Please protect a free Republic of Korea with the people," conveying a message of expectation for her future role within the party. Such remarks from the party leadership reflect a positive sentiment within the party regarding former Commissioner Lee's future political endeavors.

▲ Reshaping of Daegu Mayoral Primary Structure and Intra-Party Discussions

With former Commissioner Lee Jin-sook's decision not to run, the People Power Party has eliminated the biggest risk factor in the Daegu mayoral election: the division of the conservative camp. This is analyzed as securing an advantageous position to aim for a decisive victory through a one-on-one contest against the Democratic Party. Within the party, there is a consensus that former Commissioner Lee's dedication will be a crucial foundation for victory in the local elections. Furthermore, discussions about the possibility of her nomination for a National Assembly by-election demonstrate that the party is seeking appropriate compensation for her sacrifice. These intra-party efforts for unity and strategic placements are expected to further strengthen the cohesion of conservative supporters in the Daegu region and play a significant role in the People Power Party achieving an overwhelming victory in the upcoming June 3 local elections. The evaluation of former Commissioner Lee's value as a political asset and her contributions to the party is expected to continue.