Independent Candidacy Considered by 'Oldboy'... People Power Party Urges "Make a Big Decision"

As an 'old boy' from the conservative camp who did not receive a nomination is considering running as an independent candidate in a local constituency, the People Power Party has started to appease him, asking for a "big decision."

Hong Moon-pyo, Member of the People Power Party./Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

On the morning of the 27th, Jang Dong-hyuk, Secretary General of the People Power Party, met with reporters at the National Assembly main building and said, "Assemblyman Hong Moon-pyo has played many roles in the People Power Party and the right-wing party more than anyone else," adding, "Although there may be various concerns now, I hope he will make a big decision for the victory of the People Power Party in the general election and the success of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration."

As reports emerged that Assemblyman Hong might run as an independent candidate in the Chungnam Hongseong-Yesan constituency, the party is interpreted to be cracking down. On the 22nd, Assemblyman Hong announced his withdrawal from the primary through a statement, and former Senior Secretary for Civil Society Kang Seung-gyu received a single nomination for the constituency.

In Gyeongsan City, North Gyeongsang Province, former Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Choi Kyung-hwan opened an office on the 25th and launched his independent candidacy. Incumbent Assemblyman Yoon Doo-hyun declared he would not run, and former presidential office administrator Jo Ji-yeon, who is from Yongsan, received a single nomination.

The party is hoping for cooperation. There are concerns that independent candidacies by senior members could spoil the positive atmosphere. Already, senior assemblymen with three or more terms, such as Seo Byung-soo, Cho Hae-jin, and Kim Tae-ho, have accepted the party's request to move to more challenging constituencies. Additionally, there are worries about vote splitting among conservative-leaning voters.

Hong's side said, "The remarks came out while expressing feelings that the primary rules were harsh," adding, "It does not mean that we are actually moving to run as an independent."

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