PPP cutoff sparks backlash from Joo and Lee

Mar 23, 2026, 08:53 am

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Lee Jung-hyun, head of the People Power Party’s nomination committee, called committee members to the podium for a briefing on the Daegu mayoral race at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on March 22. /Yonhap News

A surprise cutoff in the Daegu mayoral primary triggered strong backlash on March 22, as Joo Ho-young, vice speaker of the National Assembly, rejected the decision while former broadcasting regulator Lee Jin-sook called for a review.

The ruling People Power Party’s nomination committee excluded both candidates from the race, prompting immediate resistance and raising concerns that the fallout could escalate into broader intra-party conflict.

Joo sharply criticized the decision on Facebook, saying, “The party and nomination committee are not functioning normally,” and added, “This decision amounts to giving up the Daegu mayoral election.”

“I cannot accept this decision,” he said, accusing party leadership of breaking promises of a fair primary. He also warned that he would pursue both legal action and internal party procedures to challenge what he described as an unjust cutoff.

“If no reasonable explanation is provided, I will stake everything to defend the pride and sovereignty of Daegu citizens,” Joo said, adding that he would not step down.

Lee also issued a statement calling the decision “unacceptable,” questioning why the most competitive candidate was excluded despite plans for a citizen-based primary.

“I strongly urge the committee to reconsider today’s decision for the sake of victory in the June 3 local elections,” she said, adding that she would soon announce her next steps.

The two candidates are expected to take different paths. As an outsider, Lee retains the option of running in a by-election or other local contests, while Joo, a senior incumbent lawmaker and vice speaker, faces more limited options, including a possible independent run.

The nomination committee defended its decision, stating that both figures would be better utilized in broader national politics rather than confined to a single mayoral position.

Following the cutoff, six candidates—including lawmakers Yoon Jae-ok, Choo Kyung-ho, Choi Eun-seok, and Yoo Young-ha—will compete in the primary, along with former district chief Lee Jae-man and former lawmaker Hong Seok-joon.

#People Power Party #Daegu mayor race #cutoff #Joo Ho-young #Lee Jin-sook