Hong Jun-pyo "I Don't Do Factional Politics... In the End, I Will Be the Candidate"

Rep. Hong: "Only recruit those who will lead the camp, keep other party lawmakers confidential"
Nationwide tour starts from the 17th of this month

A post uploaded by Assemblyman Hong Jun-pyo on his Facebook on the 9th. / Photo by Hong Jun-pyo Facebook capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] Hong Jun-pyo, a presidential candidate from the People Power Party, expressed confidence in the presidential primary by saying, "Ultimately, it comes down to the candidate's capabilities. After going around, I will become the candidate."

On the 9th, Hong posted on his social media (SNS), "I will not engage in factional politics that burden members of the National Assembly," adding, "I will only recruit those who will lead the campaign, and other friendly party lawmakers will be kept confidential."

He continued, "Throughout numerous party primaries, I have never once conducted a primary by lining up lawmakers," emphasizing, "Even when the pro-Lee Myung-bak (Chin-i) and pro-Park Geun-hye (Chin-bak) factions dominated the party, I was elected party leader without a single factional lawmaker."

This appears to be a criticism of the recent behavior of the Yoon Seok-youl and Choi Jae-hyung camps, which disclosed the names of joining lawmakers.

Hong added, "I will conduct the primary through the 'jp Dandelion Forum,' united by party members and the public."

Hong Joon-pyo, member of the People Power Party. / Photo by Yonhap News

Earlier, Hong decided to leave the party due to nomination conflicts during last year's general election. He then ran as an independent in Daegu Suseong District and was elected as a member of the 21st National Assembly, and recently rejoined the People Power Party after one year and three months.

On June 29, the day former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl announced his political participation, Hong hinted at his presidential bid by presenting four major era spirits: "Prosperity for the future, fairness for opportunity, safety for all, and happiness for hope."

Hong is reportedly planning to make an official presidential candidacy announcement soon. Afterward, he will begin a nationwide tour starting on the 17th of this month.

Meanwhile, the People Power Party will narrow down the candidates to eight in the first preliminary primary on September 15, and then to four in the second preliminary primary. The final presidential candidate will be announced on November 9.

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