Kim Dae-sik, Lawmaker, Heads to Hawaii to Persuade Former Mayor Hong Joon-pyo
Kim Dae-sik, a member of the People Power Party, departed for Hawaii, USA, to persuade former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo to join his election campaign committee. However, it remains uncertain whether a meeting will occur, as he does not know the address where the former mayor is staying.
On the morning of the 19th, during a phone interview on SBS Radio's "Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show," Kim stated, "I am currently at Honolulu Airport in Hawaii. I just arrived a little while ago."
When the host asked if he knew the exact location to meet Hong, Kim replied, "First, I need to connect by phone from the Big Island," adding, "I’m thinking of trying to find him at his location after making the call."
When asked again if they might not meet if Hong doesn't answer the phone or gives no address saying not to come, Kim emphasized that "somehow, we will meet."
Previously, on the 16th, Hong mentioned on Facebook in response to a supporter’s comment asking to prevent a special envoy from the People Power Party from being dispatched, "I told them not to come." He added, "It’s unfortunate about Kim Moon-soo, but that party has already withdrawn."
Hong Joon-pyo's Political Moves and People Power Party's Persuasion Efforts
After being eliminated in the final four of the People Power Party's presidential primary, Hong declared his retirement from politics and withdrawal from the party. However, he continued to criticize the party through Facebook, maintaining a connection with the political sphere.
Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate from the Democratic Party, and Lee Jun-seok, the presidential candidate from the Reform Party, sent "love calls" to bring Hong into their parties.
Seeing former mayor Hong, who has been a speaker for the conservative camp, being courted by other parties, members of the People Power Party rushed to ask him to join their campaign committee. However, Hong again drew the line, stating, "I will not participate."
In response, Kim Moon-soo dispatched Kim Dae-sik as a "Hawaii envoy" to persuade Hong, who is currently residing in Hawaii.
Kim, who served as the secretary-general of Hong's campaign camp, said, "Even when I departed yesterday, I contacted him, but he said, 'Don't come.'" He continued, "However, if I don't go just because he says not to, it lacks sincerity and could end up being just a 'show.'"
Kim pointed out that Hong's refusal to participate in the campaign committee is due to the "conflict over the unification with Han Duck-soo."
He explained, "Hong has made a firm resolution to throw himself into the presidential race, even at the risk of his mayoral position in Daegu," noting, "Especially, the 2030 generation has shown support and encouragement."
He added, "But suddenly, with Han Duck-soo entering the picture, it became complicated with talk of 'Han Duck-soo' and 'Kim Duck-soo.' I think there were strong feelings of disappointment throughout that process."
Image source: Kim Dae-sik and Yoo Sang-bum, members of the People Power Party, departing to persuade former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo / News1, Hawaii, former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo / News1
