Hong Jun-pyo Says "Still 3 Years Left," a Strategic Move Targeting the Presidential Election

Difficult to Halt Yu's Disciplinary Action and Presidential Bid
Park Ji-won Interprets 'Remarks Targeting the Presidential Office'

Regarding Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo's response of "3 years left" after receiving a severe 10-month suspension of party membership from the People Power Party, it is being interpreted as a strategic move aimed at the presidential election. It can be seen as a commitment to faithfully serve the remaining three years of his Daegu mayoral term, as well as a hint at the presidential candidate race that will take place in 3 years and 8 months. The general perception in political circles is that Hong, who has served twice as party leader and even ran for president, will not be affected in his presidential ambitions.

Earlier, on the afternoon of the 26th when the disciplinary measure was announced, Mayor Hong said, "I hope there will be no more debates over this issue. I do not want further conflicts to escalate and be reproduced," adding, "I still have a long time of 3 years."

Political circles are divided in their interpretation of Hong’s mention of "3 years later."

Former National Intelligence Service Director Park Ji-won said Hong’s "3 years later" remark was aimed at the Blue House. On the afternoon of the 27th on MBC's 'News Outside Focus,' Park said, "He is telling the president, 'Just wait and see, I have a chance to become a presidential candidate in 3 years,'" adding, "If Mayor Hong becomes a presidential candidate, it will gain momentum. This is not my strong interpretation but common sense."

Hong Joon-pyo, Mayor of Daegu. [Photo by Yonhap News]

Park also believed that the Blue House’s intentions were reflected in this disciplinary action. He claimed, "President Yoon Seok-yeol and his wife told Hong Joon-pyo, 'Stop nagging, Hong. Keep your mouth shut,' so Hong responded like Admiral Yi Sun-sin saying, 'I still have 12 ships left,' by saying 'I have 3 years left.' This disciplinary action was taken to prevent Mayor Hong’s remarks from influencing the Daegu-Gyeongbuk (TK) candidate nominations."

Yoon Sang-hyun, a four-term senior member of the People Power Party, interpreted that this disciplinary action would rather increase Mayor Hong’s presence. On the afternoon of the 27th on KBS Radio's 'Joo Jin-woo Live,' Yoon said, "His presence could grow," adding, "Mayor Hong is not someone who would be discouraged by a 10-month party membership suspension, and given his style, he will continue to speak out."

He also said the disciplinary action against Mayor Hong was excessive and that the severity should be reduced. This contrasts with evaluations from party insiders such as Representative Park Jeong-ha and floor spokesman Jang Dong-hyuk, who described the punishment as "an acceptable level" immediately after it was announced.

Yoon criticized, "Mayor Hong is an asset and elder of the party who has served as party leader and presidential candidate. Is it necessary to go this far?" He added, "Politics should be additive politics, but our leadership keeps ousting people and practicing subtractive politics."

He continued, "Didn't they dismiss Mayor Hong from the party’s standing advisory position last time? What benefit is there in dismissing a party advisor?" and said, "Since the disciplinary action was taken by the Ethics Committee, I hope the party leadership, which has the final decision-making authority, will reconsider."

Supreme Council member Kim Jae-won also believed that Mayor Hong’s presidential ambitions would not be hindered. On the 28th on KBS Radio's 'Choi Kyung-young’s Strong Current Affairs,' Kim said, "He said 3 years is a long time, and it seems he means to stay in Daegu as mayor for 3 years while preparing for the presidential election," adding, "If Mayor Hong reviews his past journey well, this disciplinary action will have little relation to his future."

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