Daegu: Lee Jin-sook, a former broadcasting watchdog chief under the ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol, announced on Saturday her decision not to run for the mayoral position in Daegu after being excluded from the primary of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP).

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee, who previously led the Korea Media and Communications Commission, had considered running as an independent candidate in the upcoming June 3 local elections after her exclusion from the party's nomination process about a month ago. The PPP opted to nominate a candidate with economic expertise, rather than political experience, to address the economic challenges facing the declining metropolitan city. Lee is known for her political connections to the former president.

During a press conference at the party's office in Daegu, located approximately 250 kilometers southeast of Seoul, Lee stated, "I am stepping down as a preliminary candidate for Daegu mayor. I will back the party's nominee, once selected in the primary tomorrow, to defeat the Democratic Party contender." Despite labeling the nomination committee's decision as "unfair," Lee decided not to pursue the mayoral race due to concerns about a potential victory by the ruling Democratic Party in the traditionally conservative stronghold.

Lee's announcement concluded a monthlong dispute over the nomination process, following a similar decision by Rep. Joo Ho-young, another excluded preliminary contender who announced his withdrawal two days earlier.

Last week, the PPP narrowed its field of six preliminary candidates to two finalists: Reps. Choo Kyung-ho and Yoo Yeong-ha. Both candidates expressed respect for Lee's decision and committed to securing a victory in the election.

Choo emphasized the importance of the election, stating, "This election is about reviving Daegu's stagnant economy and restoring a shaken democracy. We will respond with an overwhelming victory in Daegu and a confident rebuilding of the conservative bloc." Similarly, Yoo called for unity, saying, "We must now join forces as one. We will go beyond division toward integration and secure victory with united strength, not fragmentation."

The PPP is set to select its final candidate on Sunday, concluding the primary with a combined vote of party members and a public opinion poll.