Daegu: Three presidential candidates have initiated their campaigns in the conservative bastions of the nation's southeastern region, with the presidential election just 21 days away. This election, set for June 3, follows the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol over an attempted martial law bid in December. The race is primarily among Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party (DP), Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party (PPP), and Lee Jun-seok of the New Reform Party.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party front-runner with approximately 50 percent support in various opinion polls, is aiming to capture the support of centrist voters. His campaign includes visits to Gumi and Pohang in North Gyeongsang Province, as well as Daegu and Busan. This strategic trip to the challenging Yeongnam region, just days after a previous visit, is viewed as an attempt to appeal to both regional and centrist voters.

In contrast, Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party is focused on garnering conservative support. His campaign involves stops in Daegu, Ulsan, and Busan. Beginning with a tribute at the National Sinam Memorial Park in Daegu, Kim plans to launch the party's regional campaign committee at the PPP's Daegu office. He will then proceed to Ulsan to engage with local businesses and markets, followed by a visit to the Busan International Finance Center. His itinerary also includes an event with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions at the PPP's Busan office and concludes with a visit to Jagalchi Market in Busan. This campaign is seen as a bid to strengthen conservative support in Yeongnam while emphasizing his commitment to enhancing the local economy.

Meanwhile, Lee Jun-seok of the New Reform Party is starting his day with a rally on the streets of Daegu, followed by a meal with students at Kyungpook National University. He will conduct a policy meeting on health care at the Daegu Medical Association Hall and later visit merchants at Chilseong Market.