Rep. Joo Ho-young holds up a court injunction filing during a press conference at the National Assembly on March 26. / Lee Byung-hwa

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Joo Ho-young, vice speaker of the National Assembly, escalated his confrontation with party leadership on March 26 by filing for a court injunction to suspend his exclusion from the People Power Party primary for the Daegu mayoral race.

Earlier in the day, Joo submitted the injunction request electronically to the Seoul Southern District Court. Speaking at a press conference, he sharply criticized the party’s nomination committee, calling the cutoff decision “an act that tramples on democratic principles.”

He argued that “malicious nomination decisions and retaliatory or targeted nominations that have long damaged the party have resurfaced,” adding that excluding competitive candidates undermines voters’ right to choose.

Joo also took aim at party leader Jang Dong-hyuk, who had urged sacrifice for the party. “Sacrifice must have a just cause,” Joo said, demanding an explanation. While expressing confidence that the court would not reject his request, he left open the possibility of running as an independent, saying he is “preparing for all scenarios.”

As the dispute intensifies, speculation has grown over a possible political alliance between Joo and former party leader Han Dong-hoon. The two figures are seen as having overlapping interests, particularly if Joo pursues an independent bid while Han seeks a return to the National Assembly through a by-election.

Han appeared to fuel such speculation in a recent interview, stating, “We are already allied,” while Joo downplayed the idea, saying, “I have my hands full,” and denying any recent contact or meeting with Han.

Meanwhile, concerns are rising within the party over a potential backlash in Daegu, a conservative stronghold. Lawmaker Kwon Young-jin, a former Daegu mayor, warned that local sentiment has “turned sharply,” criticizing the cutoff as an affront to regional pride.

Another candidate in the race, Rep. Choi Eun-seok, also cautioned that internal discord during the nomination process could negatively impact the party’s prospects in the upcoming local elections.

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