Hong Jun-pyo, former mayor, dismisses the possibility of returning to People Power Party

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Jun-pyo has expressed a firm stance against the People Power Party, calling it a "party that will be dissolved" and asserting, "There is no chance I will rejoin."

"Party that will be dissolved"

On the 22nd, Hong revealed this position on his online communication platform, 'Youth's Dream.'

His response came after a netizen suggested three options for the next presidential election: returning to the People Power Party, running as an independent, or founding a new party.

Additionally, in response to another user's question, he announced plans to resume his YouTube channel 'Hong Cola' from early September, indicating his intention to re-engage in online activities.

Signals indicating a possible return to politics

This is not the first time Hong has signaled his intention to return to politics.

On the 30th of last month, he stated via social media, "Even if you dislike politics and find it repulsive, we cannot live without politics," adding, "The people will have leaders appropriate to their level."

On the 2nd of this month, on the 'Youth's Dream' platform, responding to a netizen's comment about decreasing approval ratings and the frequent occurrence of the phrase "dissolution of unconstitutional parties," he replied, "A substitute party will emerge," referencing the concept of 'material extreme must counteract' (物極必反).

The phrase indicates that when all things reach their extremes, they will necessarily return, interpreted as suggesting the possibility of change in the political landscape.

Attention focused on activities after declaring retirement from politics

After being eliminated in the final four of the People Power Party's presidential primary in April, Hong declared his retirement from politics, stating, "There is no role for me in the party."

At that time, candidate Kim Moon-soo appointed him as the chairman of the permanent election committee, but Hong declined and left for Hawaii.

However, after returning on the 17th of last month, Hong drew attention by stating that he would "speak gradually" about future actions, including the possibility of founding a new party.

Recently, his remarks have been interpreted as signals preparing for a return to politics, and particularly his assessment of the People Power Party as a "party that will be dissolved" adds weight to the possibility of a new party formation.

Image source: Hong Jun-pyo, former mayor of Daegu / News1, News1