Kim Bu-gyeom Promises 20 Trillion Won for Daegu Integration if Elected, Cites Party Support

Kim Bu-gyeom, the Democratic Party's candidate for Daegu mayor, announced in an interview on the 4th that if elected, he would secure 20 trillion won in financial support over four years through the administrative integration of Daegu and Gyeongbuk. He also stated that although it is late in the timing for this local election, he would re-discuss the administrative integration of Daegu and Gyeongbuk. He explained that his becoming mayor would itself provide Daegu with grounds to demand budget and policy support from the central government.

He presented a plan to focus the administrative integration funds on revitalizing the competitiveness of traditional manufacturing sectors like machinery, metal, auto parts, and textiles, as well as investing in future growth industries.

Regarding the recent poll results showing him ahead of or in a close race within the margin of error against the People Power Party's Daegu mayoral candidates, Candidate Kim said, "I was also surprised to see them." He interpreted these results as a reflection of Daegu citizens' anger and disappointment towards the People Power Party.

Citing the fact that the ruling People Power Party had virtually pressured him to run, he stated, "They owe a great debt to me and to Daegu." Kim argued that for Daegu and conservatism to thrive, the current People Power Party must be discarded. "What the People Power Party is showing now is not genuine conservatism," he said, adding, "Daegu must boldly abandon the People Power Party for a true conservative party to be born."