Hong Junpyo Supporters' Group Makes Headlines by Declaring Support for Lee Jae Myung
"We support OOO."
The political landscape of South Korea is being reshaped ahead of the 21st presidential election. On May 13, in political circles, it became a hot topic that a group of supporters of former Daegu Mayor Hong Junpyo declared their support for Lee Jae Myung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate. Shin Younggil, head of the central committee of Hongsamo, stated at the Democratic Party headquarters, "At this critical juncture, moving beyond division toward integration, I believe Lee Jae Myung is the politician who can lead South Korea to become an advanced nation."
This press conference was attended not only by Hong Junpyo's supporters' group, Hongsamo, and the National Integration Promotion Association, but also by the former mayor's campaign external cooperation chair, SNS team, and media team. From the Democratic Party, lawmakers Lee Eonju and Hwang Myungseon were present.
On the 29th of last month, at the People Power Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, candidate Hong Junpyo is leaving the headquarters after being eliminated in the announcement event for the third round of the 21st presidential candidate People Power Party primary.
원본보기 아이콘After being eliminated in the People Power Party presidential primary, announcing his retirement from politics, leaving the party, and staying in the United States during the presidential campaign, former Mayor Hong has drawn even more attention after stepping away from the political stage. He still holds influence within the party and has shared his thoughts on the primary, expressing regret toward former President Yoon Suk Yeol and the People Power Party. Conversely, candidate Lee Jae Myung has openly acknowledged Hong's political capabilities, even reaching out to him. On May 12, the day before the Hongsamo support declaration, Lee introduced policies borrowed from Hong's presidential pledges and said, "If you return, let's share a glass of Makgeolli together."
More Attention After Retirement... He Says, "Stability Is Needed Regardless of Who Takes Power"
Although not an enemy general, the Democratic Party, which has succeeded in recruiting some from the opposing camp, is visibly encouraged. The People Power Party is understandably displeased with the situation of its 'strategic asset' crossing over. Representative Yoon Sanghyun of the People Power Party appealed on social media, "While I understand the sense of betrayal and anger toward the party, now is not the time to resolve personal grievances but to defend the free Republic of Korea." Representative Ahn Cheolsoo of the People Power Party, apparently concerned that Hong might support Lee, also pleaded, "You must never join hands with candidate Lee."
In contrast, former Mayor Hong stated on his communication channel with supporters, "I cannot help but sever ties with a party that has been impeached twice," adding, "I am so disillusioned that I do not even want to go near it." He also said, "Regardless of who comes to power, I hope my country becomes a stable nation where the left and right can coexist."
YS's Second Son Kim Hyuncheol Declares Support for Lee Junseok via Social Media
There is another example of cracks forming within the People Power Party's support base. Kim Hyuncheol, the second son of former President Kim Youngsam (YS) and chairman of the Kim Youngsam Presidential Memorial Foundation, declared his support for Lee Junseok, the Reform New Party's presidential candidate, via social media. Kim argued, "In any case, the People Power Party, which has become a disorderly group, will degenerate into the 'TK (Daegu-Gyeongbuk) Jaminryeon' after the presidential election."
