Amid escalating attacks from civic groups and political figures in Pohang, growing concerns are being raised over increasing public fatigue, while Park Yong-sun, the People Power Party’s mayoral candidate, is continuing his policy-driven campaign by unveiling a series of pledges.
On the 13th, local civic organizations—including the Pan-Citizen Committee for the Relocation of POSCO Holdings and the Future Technology Research Institute to Pohang, the Pohang Reform Action Headquarters, the Pohang Earthquake Victims Countermeasure Committee, the Pohang 11.15 Triggered Earthquake Pan-Citizen Committee, and Pohang People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy—along with party members, issued a joint statement urging the immediate disqualification of Park and the selection of a new candidate through a “100% citizen primary.”
The groups argued that Park, who has been referred to the prosecution on charges including large-scale embezzlement and violations of the Public Official Election Act, “has lost his moral legitimacy” and “is unfit to represent the city’s 500,000 citizens.” They also criticized him for allegedly failing to publicly prove his innocence.
They further directed criticism at local lawmakers Kim Jung-jae and Lee Sang-hwi, raising questions about their responsibility in managing a fair primary and calling for an apology and accountability.
Previously, figures such as Kim Byung-wook and Park Seung-ho also demanded the cancellation of Park’s nomination and a new primary. As similar claims continue to emerge from both civic groups and political circles, concerns are growing that the repeated allegations and confrontations are contributing to voter fatigue.
A local political insider said, “While raising allegations can be necessary, the repetition of similar claims is significantly increasing fatigue among voters,” adding, “There is a growing perception that policy competition has disappeared.”
A resident in his 50s living in Daei-dong said, “With both sides continuing to criticize each other, it’s hard to tell who is right,” adding, “As a citizen, I want to see concrete plans and visions for regional development rather than ongoing disputes.”
Meanwhile, Park Yong-sun has been emphasizing a policy-centered campaign by announcing a series of pledges, including region-specific initiatives. He has presented tailored policies addressing key local issues such as balanced development between the city’s northern and southern districts, strengthening industrial competitiveness, and expanding living infrastructure.
Park’s campaign stated, “We will be evaluated based on practical policies that can improve citizens’ lives, rather than engaging in unproductive political disputes,” adding that more customized pledges reflecting the characteristics and needs of each area will continue to be announced.
