Kwon Seong-dong and Kim Tae-ho Rejoin Party... Hong Joon-pyo Leaves Door Open for 'Third Zone' Possibility

Among the Four People Who Left the People Power Party, Hong Jun-pyo and Yoon Sang-hyun Remain
Hong Jun-pyo, Who Has Expressed Willingness to Rejoin, Faces Difficult Discussions for Now
Hong Jun-pyo Also Says "Issues Will Resolve Over Time," Not Rushing
Meanwhile, Possibility of a 'Third Zone' Also Mentioned

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Attention is once again focused on the return of independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo to the People Power Party. This comes as Kim Tae-ho, following lawmaker Kwon Seong-dong among the so-called 'defectors' who entered the National Assembly as independents after being excluded from party nominations during last year's general election, has completed his return to his original party.

Since his election last year, Hong has hoped to return, but his fortunes have been mixed. The apparent reason is that he has not formally applied for reinstatement. The People Power Party has maintained that discussions can only take place after a reinstatement application is submitted, but Hong, calling it a 'political issue to be resolved,' has not followed the official procedure.

Inside and outside the party, there is a view that since Hong has expressed his intention to run for president, he will eventually return, though it may take some time. The consensus is that serious discussions can only begin after the by-elections in April. Joo Ho-young, the party's floor leader, has publicly expressed a negative stance on reinstatement before then.

Changes in Hong's stance are also noticeable. Last month, he expressed frustration, saying "The path back to my home party is like the Himalayas," but this time he showed composure, saying "It is a problem that will be resolved over time." In a New Year's interview on January 7th on the YouTube channel TV Hong Kakolla, he said, "Even though I am not currently affiliated with the party, is there anyone among the people of the Republic of Korea who sees me as a member of the Democratic Party?" and expressed optimism about reinstatement, calling it "merely a formal procedure."

At the same time, he set the April by-elections as a deadline and left open the possibility of creating a 'third zone.' Hong stated, "If they oppose me until the by-elections are over, I will have no choice but to go to the third zone," adding, "It is a matter to reconsider later." He currently serves as co-representative of the 'Emergency National Solidarity,' an anti-Moon Jae-in organization.

He also said, "I am the legitimate heir of conservatism," and asked, "Would the people believe that I, the rightful leader, am ousted while illegitimate factions gather and act tyrannically?"

Meanwhile, Kim Jong-in, the emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, responded to reporters' questions about Hong's status by saying, "He has never thought about returning nor applied for reinstatement," and added, "Is it necessary for us to talk about someone like that?" In response, Hong said, "Chairman Kim is someone who came temporarily to resolve the emergency situation, and once it is resolved, won't things be settled?" and added, "I will wait and see until then."

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