**Announcement of Candidacy in Yeouido on the 14th after Retirement Ceremony on the 11th**
Hong Joon-pyo, Mayor of Daegu Metropolitan City, announced on the 10th that he would resign from his position to run for the presidency.
Mayor Hong stated, “The support from Daegu, the heart of conservatism, has been a major driving force in my political journey towards my dream,” and added, “Now it’s time to focus on overcoming the impeachment hurdle and winning the presidential election.”
In a statement, Mayor Hong said, “I am stepping down from the position of Mayor of Daegu to run in this presidential election. Only by winning the presidential election can we rectify the injustice faced by former President Yoon Seok-yeol and prevent the opposition party’s seizure of power.”
He continued, “I apologize for leaving without completing my term. I will achieve victory in the presidential election to stabilize the nation and fulfill the promises I made as Mayor of Daegu.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Mayor Hong remarked, “Since taking office as the Mayor of Daegu, I have achieved innovations that set standards nationwide in various fields and led a major transformation into future new industries. I initiated projects for Daegu’s future, ensuring that the direction remains unchanged regardless of who takes over.”
However, he expressed regret, saying, “Due to the insufficient financial situation of the city, we had to reduce private subsidies, which inevitably led to a reduction in support for the cultural, arts, and social sectors.”
Mayor Hong’s retirement ceremony will be held on the 11th in the main auditorium of Daegu City Hall. He plans to officially announce his presidential candidacy on the 14th in Yeouido, Seoul. He has established a campaign office on the 4th floor of the Daehwa Building in Yeouido, Seoul, known as a ‘sacred place’ that has produced three former presidents, with a total area of 1,322 square meters (approximately 400 pyeong).