Hong Joon-pyo laments TK region decline and political fallout

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo expressed deep regret over the current state of the Daegu-Gyeongbuk (TK) region, stating that the “collapse of TK is truly heartbreaking.” In a social media post, Hong reflected on his tenure and his controversial decision during the recent local elections to support Kim Boo-kyum, a candidate from the Democratic Party, despite the risks to his own political standing.

Hong explained that his support for Kim was a strategic attempt to ensure the completion of critical regional projects, such as the TK New Airport and industrial restructuring, which require central government cooperation. He noted that while he initiated approximately 75% of his “100+1” innovation tasks during his three years in office, the flagship airport project has yet to break ground due to a lack of central government assistance.

Addressing the election results, where the People Power Party candidate won, Hong remarked that citizens did not accept his sincerity. He criticized the persistence of regionalism, calling the time spent trapped in political factionalism “futile,” and urged residents to set aside party affiliations and regional prejudices to focus on the future prosperity of the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region.