Candidates Kim Bu-gyeom and Choo Kyung-ho are intensifying their campaigns to revitalize the economy of Daegu ahead of the local elections [1].
The race for the mayoralty centers on the city's ability to generate jobs and attract investment, making the outcome a bellwether for regional economic strategies in South Korea.
Kim Bu-gyeom, representing the Democratic Party, and Choo Kyung-ho of the People Power Party have both focused their efforts on local sites, including traditional markets, and new urban developments [1], [2]. Both candidates have identified the Daegu-Gyeongbuk New Airport project as the primary engine for future growth [1], [3].
Kim emphasized the urgency of restarting the airport relocation process to secure the city's economic future. "The Daegu-Gyeongbuk New Airport relocation project, which is currently suspended, must be started quickly so that space can be created to produce future food for Daegu through land acquisition," Kim said [1].
The campaigns are scheduled to run through the final stretch of the election cycle, which concludes with the local elections on June 3, 2024 [1]. The candidates are utilizing these final days to secure voter support by promising a comprehensive recovery of the local economy, and the creation of sustainable employment opportunities [1], [2].
Choo has similarly positioned the airport project as a cornerstone of his platform, arguing that infrastructure development is essential to reverse economic stagnation in the region [1], [3]. The competition between the two candidates highlights a shared consensus on the importance of the airport project, though they differ on the methods of implementation and governance.
“The Daegu-Gyeongbuk New Airport relocation project... must be started quickly”
The alignment of both major candidates on the Daegu-Gyeongbuk New Airport project suggests that the infrastructure project has moved beyond a partisan issue to become a mandatory requirement for any viable mayoral candidate. The election will likely be decided not by whether the airport is built, but by which candidate convinces voters they possess the administrative capability to execute the relocation and land acquisition more efficiently.
