"400 Days Unable to Return Home" Hong Joon-pyo's 'Rejoining Declaration'... Opposition Worried "Party Might Break Apart"

Hong Jun-pyo "I will submit a re-entry application and undergo review"
Left the party after winning the last general election, active as an independent
Clashed with former emergency committee chairman Kim Jong-in
Opposition voices against mainly from early and re-elected members
Kim Woong "Party leader ruined the election by speaking insincerely"

Independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 10th, announcing his return to the People Power Party. / Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo has publicly declared his intention to rejoin the People Power Party, but it appears that his return will face difficulties. This is because there remains a view within the opposition party that regards Hong, who has repeatedly clashed with former People Power Party emergency committee chairman Kim Jong-in, as an "old-school politician." In particular, some first- and second-term lawmakers who have been urging reform within the People Power Party are reportedly strongly opposed to Hong's reentry. As a result, concerns have arisen that internal conflicts surrounding Hong could lead to the party breaking apart.

◆Hong Joon-pyo: "It's been 400 days since I couldn't return home... I will rejoin the party"

On the 10th, Hong held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office and declared his intention to rejoin the party. On that day, he said, "It is now time to return to the party. I will submit a reentry application and undergo the review process," adding, "During the 21st general election, I had no choice but to leave the party. The past year spent outside has been a time of deep reflection on my political journey and shortcomings."

He continued, "I made a firm promise to rejoin immediately upon winning the last election, but it has now been over 400 days since I have been unable to return home."

Regarding why he did not submit a reentry application earlier and only now expressed his intention to rejoin, he explained, "Because the party was led by someone with whom I personally had a bad relationship." This appears to be a veiled reference to former emergency committee chairman Kim, with whom he had conflicts.

◆Clash with former chairman Kim Jong-in... Many skeptical views

Although Hong has expressed his intention to rejoin the People Power Party, a long road remains before his reentry is finalized. This is because many lawmakers maintain a skeptical view of Hong, who has continuously clashed with the People Power Party under the leadership of former chairman Kim.

Representative Hong is conducting a government inquiry on politics, diplomacy, unification, and security at the National Assembly plenary session on February 4th. / Photo by Yonhap News

Previously, Hong left the United Future Party (the predecessor of the People Power Party) on March 19 last year. He then ran as an independent candidate in Daegu Suseong District in the last general election and won, serving as an independent lawmaker for one year and two months. Subsequently, he posted on social media, delivering sharp criticisms toward the People Power Party and former chairman Kim.

In April last year, he strongly criticized the emergency committee led by former chairman Kim, saying, "It is outrageous to see temporary members ousting the rightful owners and acting as if they own the party."

Regarding former chairman Kim, he claimed, "He is an outsider over eighty years old with a history as a bribery broker," and pointed out, "It is embarrassing and regrettable to see the party clinging to him."

He also criticized the direction of reform within the People Power Party. In a Facebook post last November, he wrote, "The basics of elections are strengthening your own side and attacking the opponent, but the strategy of scattering your own side and only glancing at the opponent is a path to self-destruction," adding, "With policies that are mere imitations of the left-wing second faction already occupied by them (the Democratic Party), the left-wing does not come, and only the 'house rabbits' run away. How can Korea's new era value of fairness be overcome by pushing left-wing second faction policies?"

◆Concerns over internal strife: "The party might break apart"

Some opposition lawmakers expressed resentment over Hong's intention to return, given his confrontational stance against former chairman Kim, who emphasized reform. On the 4th, People Power Party lawmaker Kim Woong said in a radio interview, "Party members probably do not want (Hong's reentry)," and pointed out, "There have been many cases where some party leaders spoke candidly and ended up ruining elections."

Rep. Kim Woong of the People Power Party preparing to run for party leader / Photo by Yonhap News

In response, Hong targeted Kim in a Facebook post, saying, "A flower forced to bloom out of season in a greenhouse withers immediately once outside," and added, "You need to study more, build your skills, and engage in positive politics based on your own abilities."

Kim immediately replied, "Thank you for the advice," but added, "I will interpret it as a warning not to treat young reporters or powerless workers carelessly with phrases like 'Why are you asking that?', 'Do you really have a winning move?', or 'You little...'"

Their tension continued on the 10th. When Hong criticized Kim, saying, "Politics is becoming reckless without respect for seniors or hierarchy," Kim sarcastically responded, "Isn't my strong talk something you learned by watching your seniors?"

Given this situation, concerns have arisen within the opposition that internal conflicts among lawmakers could intensify over Hong's reentry.

On the 11th, People Power Party lawmaker Ha Tae-kyung explained the situation in an interview with TBS Radio's "Kim Eo-jun's News Factory," saying, "Among first- and second-term lawmakers, opposition to Hong's reentry is generally strong. There is a significant difference in stance depending on the number of terms served," adding, "There are about 70 first- and second-term lawmakers and about 30 lawmakers with three or more terms, so if a party meeting were held with a show of hands, opposition would likely be in the majority."

He continued, "I intend to remain neutral and only act as a referee," but expressed concern, saying, "I worry that the party might break apart over Hong's reentry issue."

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