[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun and Kim Hye-min] With the 2022 presidential election just 1 year and 10 months away, conservative presidential hopefuls are beginning to take steps with the presidency in mind. Former Liberty Korea Party leader Hong Joon-pyo has declared a nationwide busking campaign, and Yoo Seung-min, a member of the United Future Party, has expressed his intention to make his "final presidential bid" to his supporters. Former United Future Party leader Hwang Kyo-ahn has also been checking in with several lawmakers by phone.
On the 26th, Yoo posted a video message on his fan club 'Yusimcho' cafe, stating, "The primary election for next year's presidential candidate and the presidential election 1 year and 10 months from now will be my last political challenge," adding, "I will definitely become the unified conservative candidate, advance to the main election, and defeat the Democratic Party candidate."
He said, "I have been preparing for this determination all along," and added, "Many people have given me advice and suggestions. Please continue to give me love and courage, and if I make mistakes, please also criticize me." Yoo has long been classified as a conservative opposition presidential hopeful, but this is the first time since the general election that he has directly expressed his intention to run for president.
Referring to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), he emphasized, "This is a national crisis now, and even after COVID-19 ends, a tremendous economic crisis will come," adding, "As an economic expert, politician, and someone aiming for the presidency, I think this era is, in a way, a fateful period for me."
Former leader Hong also hinted at a presidential bid on the same day by posting on his Facebook, "I climbed Biseulsan, where the legend says four kings will appear." On the 22nd, he wrote on Facebook, "I will carefully consider and solve problems more meticulously and thoroughly so as not to miss the last chance given to me by the sky, the citizens of Daegu, and the residents of Suseong," adding, "Once the National Assembly opens, I will embark on a nationwide political busking campaign for the people."
He expressed his intention to get one step closer to public sentiment through busking. Former leader Hong said, "I will have the opportunity to directly ask the people whether I am qualified to run the country."
There are also rumors of the return of former leader Hwang, who has been reclusive since his defeat in Jongno. It is said that he is looking for a long-term residence in Jongno and plans to support underprivileged students in Jongno through a scholarship foundation. He has also checked in with some lawmakers by phone. Lawmaker Min Kyung-wook recently shared on Facebook, "Former leader Hwang called recently to check on me and suggested we meet for a meal soon," updating on his status.
Lawmaker Kim Moo-sung, who was also considered a presidential candidate, recently set up an office in Mapo-gu, Seoul, which is being used as a 'political salon' where lawmakers from various factions come and share opinions. Kim, who will soon leave Yeouido, played a mediating role in the passage of the Past Affairs Act amendment during the investigation of the Brothers Home incident. However, rather than running for president, he is expected to play the role of a 'kingmaker' in the presidential election two years from now.
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