Smiling Hong Joon-pyo under the 'Joo Ho-young Leadership'? Is the Green Light for Reinstatement On?

Ties with the New United Party Floor Leadership... Positive Figures for Reinstatement
'Rough Talk' Vetoes Also Significant... Internal Party Position Coordination Is Key

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] As the new floor leadership of the United Future Party is formed around Floor Leader Joo Ho-young, analysis suggests that a green light has been turned on for the return of former Liberty Korea Party leader Hong Joon-pyo. Following Floor Leader Joo, Assemblywoman Bae Hyun-jin, who entered politics during the 'Hong Joon-pyo leadership' era, was appointed as the floor spokesperson. The leadership is thus composed of figures relatively positive about Hong's return, but the key issue is how to narrow the differing views within the party.

Four members who left the United Future Party and ran as independents were elected: Hong Joon-pyo, Kwon Seong-dong, Kim Tae-ho, and Yoon Sang-hyun. Among them, former leader Hong and Assemblyman Kwon have actively expressed their intention to return to the party. While there is little disagreement about Kwon's return, the party's attention is focused on whether Hong will rejoin.

Floor Leader Joo has supported Hong's return so far. At a primary debate on the 8th, he said, "There is some controversy over whether it should be sequential or all at once, but there is no option to block the return," adding, "Principally, I think a quick return is desirable."

Hong has also responded by supporting Floor Leader Joo. The day before, he visited the funeral hall for Joo's father to offer condolences. The two were classmates at the Judicial Research and Training Institute and worked closely together as floor leader and floor chief deputy leader during the Grand National Party (the predecessor of the United Future Party) era. Hong's electoral district, Daegu Suseong-eun, was also the area where Floor Leader Joo was consecutively elected in the 17th to 20th general elections. In this general election, Floor Leader Joo moved his constituency to Daegu Suseong-gap, positioning himself as a 'sharpshooter' against Kim Boo-kyum. Hong once revealed their close friendship, saying, "I have been on brotherly terms with Assemblyman Joo for 30 years."

However, smoothly coordinating the divided party stance on Hong's return is a challenge the party leadership must face. There were many controversies during the internal primary candidate selection process, and since Hong has ultimately returned, there is a faction advocating for an 'all-at-once return' that values his competitiveness. On the other hand, there is significant opposition to Hong's return. Opponents worry that Hong's 'rough tongue' could exacerbate internal party conflicts. A recent example is his harsh criticism of former General Election Committee Chairman Kim Jong-in.

In particular, concerns have been raised that if Floor Leader Joo simultaneously pushes for the 'Kim Jong-in Emergency Committee' and Hong's return, internal party conflicts will be unavoidable. Hong has consistently opposed the 'Kim Jong-in Emergency Committee.' On the 10th, he stated, "Clinging to the Kim Jong-in Emergency Committee will drag the party into a quagmire," and urged, "I ask Acting Floor Leader Joo Ho-young to lead the formation of an innovative emergency committee."

A party official said, "Floor Leader Joo supports both the 'Kim Jong-in Emergency Committee' and Hong's return, but they are incompatible. Having both in one party will cause constant clashes," adding, "How this is resolved could lead to differing evaluations of his leadership."

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