Hong Jun-pyo "If I fail in this presidential election, I will retire from politics… This is my last challenge"
Hong Jun-pyo, a candidate in the People Power Party's presidential primary, hinted at a possible retirement from politics should he fail in this election. Having been active in the political arena for over 30 years, he expressed a determined will by stating, "This is the last time."
On the 28th, during an appearance on SBS's "Pyeon Sang-wook’s News Briefing," Hong said, "I have been in politics for 30 years now and it may not look good for me to stay here any longer." He added, "If I am unable to win the public's heart again and do not get the chance to govern the country, then I consider graduating," indirectly revealing his intention to retire.
"Resigning as Daegu Mayor was a decision to eliminate regrets"
During the broadcast, Hong explained, "That is why I resigned as the Mayor of Daegu and came up here," stating, "I felt that I shouldn’t hold onto regrets, so I decided to wrap things up neatly and move on."
Additionally, through his Facebook, he emphasized, "I am only focused on the presidential election and have no interest in party leadership," asserting, "I have already served as party leader twice; I did not come out to seek party leadership like other candidates."
He criticized other conservative presidential candidates, including Acting President Han Duck-soo, former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moon-soo, and former Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon, questioning, “Is it common sense for a prime minister or minister from an impeached administration to run for president?”
He particularly remarked about the acting president, stating, "If he does not run after doing this much, it would create a strange situation. Our (People Power Party) position will become difficult," revealing a deeper underlying intention aimed at securing victory in the presidential election through rallying support from conservative voters.
"Like Roh Moo-hyun in 2002, I will only look at the people"
On the previous day, Hong reiterated on Facebook, "I dream of the 2002 presidential election of Roh Moo-hyun," stating, "Like the Roh Moo-hyun candidate who, despite becoming the party’s candidate, faced resistance from entrenched interests within the party and ended up merging with candidate Jung Mong-joon, I will focus solely on the people and quietly walk my path."
He also added, "Even if I do not become president, it doesn’t mean I have lived a failed life," signaling his determination to continue his unwavering path towards the people.
People Power Party concludes second primary… Results to be announced on the 29th
Meanwhile, the People Power Party has completed the second round of voting for candidates Kim Moon-soo, Ahn Cheol-soo, Han Dong-hoon, and Hong Jun-pyo by today. The results of the primary will be announced on the 29th.
If a candidate secures a majority in the voting, they will be ultimately confirmed as the party’s presidential candidate, whereas if no candidate achieves a majority, the top two candidates will face each other in a final primary round.
Additionally, it is reported that Acting President Han Duck-soo will formally announce his candidacy for the presidential election on the 2nd of next month. He is currently finalizing his campaign personnel, promoting key themes of "economy," "unification," and "safety," suggesting significant changes in the landscape of the presidential election.
Image sources: Hong Jun-pyo candidate / News1, News1
