Hwang Kyo-ahn to Run in Difficult District... What About Hong Joon-pyo? "If Not Nominated in PK, Will Run as Independent"

Growing Calls for Seoul Metropolitan Area Candidacy, Hong Says "Let Me Be the Rear Guard Commander"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hye-min] As Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Liberty Korea Party, decided to run for Jongno, demands for Hong Joon-pyo, former party leader, to run in a tough district in the Seoul metropolitan area have intensified. In response, Hong has taken a last stand, stating that if he does not receive a nomination for his hometown, he will run as an independent candidate.

On the morning of the 8th, Hong hinted at this through his Facebook, saying, "I am not a Go board stone on the palm of a hand; there is no other option now."

He expressed his intention to first persuade the nomination management committee directly. Hong said, "If the committee calls me, I will try to persuade them," but also pressured the leadership by saying, "If I cannot be persuaded to run in my hometown, the issue becomes whether I will run as an independent," indicating he might leave the party and run independently.

He emphasized, "If nominated, it is a favorable district; if removed, it will only be a tough district," adding, "As always, Hong Joon-pyo-style politics is about breaking through head-on without wavering or being dragged by circumstances."

Earlier, when Hwang decided to run for Jongno, Hong welcomed the decision, saying he would not change his stance regarding this general election. Hong has applied for the nomination in his hometown districts of Miryang-si, Uiryeong-gun, Haman-gun, and Changnyeong-gun in Gyeongnam Province.

He stressed, "In this election, I pledge to faithfully serve as the rear guard captain for PK (Busan and Gyeongnam). Some say I should go back up to the Seoul metropolitan area again, but it is too late to return to Seoul now."

The nomination committee will hold a meeting on the afternoon of the 10th to discuss strategic nominations for party leaders, including former Gyeongnam Governor Kim Tae-ho and former Emergency Committee Chairman Kim Byung-joon, along with Hong. Former Governor Kim has also applied for nomination in his hometown districts of Sancheong-gun, Hamyang-gun, Geochang-gun, and Hapcheon-gun. Former Chairman Kim has already declared his intention to run in a tough district.

Meanwhile, other senior lawmakers with four or more terms who have applied for PK nominations include Kim Jae-kyung (Jinju-si Eul), Yoo Ki-joon (Busan Seo-gu Dong-gu), Joo Ho-young (Daegu Suseong-gu Eul), Lee Joo-young (Changwon-si Masanhappo-gu), and Jung Gap-yoon (Ulsan Jung-gu).

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