Joo Ho-young: "Hong Joon-pyo, Immediate Return to United Party Will Be Difficult"

"Independent candidates have been reinstated only after a considerable period"
"Kim Jong-in is still a great asset to the party with his experience and insight"

Future United Party candidate Joo Ho-young, running in Daegu Suseong Gap, is smiling brightly as his victory becomes likely during the vote counting on the afternoon of the 15th. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lim Juhyung] Joo Ho-young, the elected candidate of the United Future Party who won in Daegu Suseong-gap, predicted that the possibility of independent elected candidate Hong Joon-pyo (Daegu Suseong) rejoining the United Future Party "seems difficult for the time being."

On the morning of the 16th, Joo appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and said, "Hong himself would strongly hope to rejoin," but added, "However, looking at the process of those who previously ran as independents rejoining, the decision to rejoin was made only after a considerable period."

He continued, "(Whether Hong rejoins) is a matter to be decided by gathering the opinions of newly elected lawmakers and various people," and added, "I don't know when that will be, but I think the possibility of immediate rejoining is not high."

Hong expressed his intention to rejoin the United Future Party at a press conference that day. He said, "I am heartbroken that the party suffered a crushing defeat in this general election," and "I will promptly return to the party and take on the role of strengthening it."

He also emphasized, "I will contribute to making the United Future Party a party that solidifies the conservative right-wing position," and "I will start again to secure the conservative right-wing ideology and identity and bring the regime in 2022."

Meanwhile, Joo evaluated the role of Kim Jong-in, the United Future Party's general election campaign committee chairman, in this general election, saying, "He took command of the election too late," and "Since he came when the nominations were almost finalized, it was difficult for him to fully demonstrate his capabilities."

He added, "Considering his experience and insight into political trends, he is still a great help to the United Future Party," and "I believe he will have a role until the party is reorganized."

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