Hong Jun-pyo "After 7 Failed Attempts, Finally Fulfilling My Wish to Run in Daegu"

Hong Joon-pyo, former leader of the Liberty Korea Party (currently the United Future Party), held a press conference on the afternoon of the 12th at his election office in Yangsan, Gyeongnam, to announce his position regarding his candidacy for the 21st National Assembly election. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Hong Joon-pyo, former leader of the Liberty Korea Party who was excluded from the nomination for Yangsan-eul, Gyeongnam by the United Future Party, said on the 13th, "Let's meet in Daegu."

On the same day, Hong posted on his Facebook, "This time, rather than the reckless nomination by Kim Hyung-oh, the chairman of the nomination management committee, I intend to run in Daegu through the citizens' nomination of Daegu," he said.

He said, "Daegu, suffering from COVID-19, is longing for someone who will overthrow the Moon Jae-in administration and restore Daegu to Pungpaejihyang (豊沛之鄕)." 'Pungpaejihyang' is a phrase referring to the hometown of an emperor.

He continued, "Taking on that role, I am now heading to Daegu, the final destination of this general election. After being frustrated seven times over the past 25 years in running for Daegu, I am finally fulfilling my wish this time," adding, "I have mixed feelings about running through the citizens' nomination of Daegu, shedding the party's outer shell."

The day before, Hong held a press conference at his campaign office in Yangsan-si, Gyeongnam, where he announced his withdrawal from the United Future Party and his independent candidacy for the April 15 general election in Daegu.

He stated, "I could never accept nor acquiesce to being excluded from the nomination due to collusion, so I seriously considered running as an independent in Yangsan-eul," and added, "Since it could help the opposing party's candidate, I decided to move to Daegu."

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