Park Geun-hye: "Daegu Citizens Revived the Heart of Conservatism... Election Commission Needs Reform"

Chu Kyungho Pays Courtesy Visit to Former President Park Geun-hye

On June 8, former President Park Geun-hye reportedly told Daegu Mayor-elect Chu Kyung-ho, "The citizens have revived Daegu, the heart of the conservative movement." She also mentioned the need for reform of the National Election Commission, in light of ballot shortages that occurred in some regions.

According to Yonhap News on June 8, Mayor-elect Chu visited former President Park's residence in Dalseong-gun, Daegu, where he met with her for about 40 minutes and then shared these remarks with reporters. Yoo Young-ha, a People Power Party lawmaker and close aide to former President Park, was also present at the meeting.

Mayor-elect Chu said, "Former President Park assessed that the citizens have protected Daegu as the heart of conservatism," and added, "She urged me to work hard, saying that as the top economic expert elected as mayor, there will be high expectations for job creation and economic revitalization." He continued, "She also told me that, given my experience in the economic field, I should leverage that experience to live up to the support and expectations of the citizens and deliver tangible results."

Daegu Mayor-elect Cho Kyung-ho and former President Park Geun-hye are meeting on the 8th at former President Park's residence in Dalsung County, Daegu, taking a commemorative photo together. Photo by Yonhap News

When asked if he would request a specific role from former President Park for the future of Daegu, Chu replied, "There was no such discussion today." He added, "However, I hope that the National Assembly will engage in forward-looking discussions on the amendment to the Act on the Treatment of Former Presidents, so that the issue can be addressed quickly." He continued, "I don't think it is desirable, from a national interest perspective, to simply let the valuable experience and assets of accomplished leaders go unused."

Regarding whether former President Park mentioned the June 3 local election ballot shortage, Chu said, "She spoke about the activities led mainly by young people recently seen in Jamsil and elsewhere, and said that reform of the election system and the National Election Commission is necessary."

Meanwhile, during the campaign period for the June 3 local elections, former President Park visited Chilseong Market, Seomun Market, and Suseong Lake in Daegu to support Mayor-elect Chu. At that time, she told reporters, "I believe that Chu Kyung-ho is the right person to revitalize Daegu's economy. When he served as Minister for Government Policy Coordination, we worked together closely and he did an excellent job."

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