Hong Joon-pyo: "I Will Never Voluntarily Leave the Party to Run as an Independent"

"If a Certain Force Eliminates Me, That Is a Separate Issue"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Former Liberty Korea Party leader Hong Joon-pyo stated on the 1st, "I will never voluntarily leave the party and run as an independent."

On the same day, Hong said on Facebook, "If a certain faction tries to remove me and forces me to run as an independent, that is a separate issue," adding, "If that happens, I will have no choice but to campaign only in my own constituency."

He said, "Yesterday, I completed the nomination application procedures for the Miryang, Changnyeong, Haman, and Uiryeong areas," and added, "Although there is a surge of new party formations everywhere, I will follow the procedures set by this party, which I have faithfully supported for 25 years, just like an ordinary member, without wavering."

He continued, "If I am properly evaluated and appointed as the defense captain for the PK (Busan-Gyeongnam) region, I plan to settle in my hometown and take responsibility for the 40 PK seats through support campaigns in the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam areas."

Former leader Hong said, "Anyway, this general election is one that leader Hwang Kyo-ahn is responsible for, and I have no role in it," adding, "My role will come after the general election when I return to Yeouido and participate in the process of reorganizing the opposition."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.