After Completing Nomination Interview, Hong Jun-pyo Says, "If Not Even Yangsan, I'll Retire from Politics or Run as Independent"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] On the 20th, former leader Hong Joon-pyo, who completed the nomination interview screening by the Future United Party's Nomination Management Committee, declared, "If I am not nominated in Yangsan, I will either retire from politics or run as an independent," putting himself in a do-or-die situation.

After finishing the party's Nomination Management Committee interview held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building that afternoon, Hong told reporters, "Some committee members suggested running in the metropolitan area, but it is already too late," indicating this stance. It is interpreted that the committee repeatedly urged Hong to run in a tough metropolitan district, but he effectively declined.

Hong has expressed his intention to give up running in his hometown and instead run in Yangsan-eul, Gyeongnam, which is considered a relatively challenging district.

He said, "I have served in the metropolitan area for over 20 years, but I believe my role ends there," and added, "This time, I think it is appropriate to run in Yangsan for the Busan-Gyeongnam (PK) region election." When asked about the committee members' reactions to his intention to run in Yangsan-eul, Hong replied, "Only two people asked. Others did not inquire."

Hong stated, "I have already been cut off in my hometown, Miryang," and added, "I don't know why I should be cut off twice." He then expressed his determination, saying, "If I am cut off twice, I will have no choice but to choose between retiring from politics or running as an independent." Hong also mentioned that Kim Hyung-oh, the chairman of the Nomination Management Committee, did not say a word during the interview.

Meanwhile, after finishing the interview, Hong was scheduled to visit the election office of Representative Hwang Kyo-ahn in Jongno, Seoul, but the visit was canceled. Hong said, "I understand it was canceled because the nomination process is still ongoing," and added that the cancellation notice came from Hwang's side.