'Which Comes First, Hong Jun-pyo's Reinstatement or the Merger?'... The Opposition Leadership's Dilemma

Final Adjustments Underway on Timing Amid Questions Over Hong Jun-pyo's Remarks as a Valid Variable

Hong Joon-pyo Independent Member of Parliament Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] The leadership of the People Power Party is currently considering the timing of the reinstatement of independent lawmaker Hong Jun-pyo, who is in the process of rejoining the party. As the merger procedure with the People’s Party is imminent, there is concern that Hong’s reinstatement, given his typically outspoken remarks, could become a variable in the process.

On the 17th, a representative of People Power Party leader Lee Jun-seok told Asia Economy in a phone interview regarding Hong’s reinstatement, "We are watching the timing," adding, "We are also discussing with Ahn Cheol-soo, the leader of the People’s Party, so we will proceed by gauging those factors."

Earlier, on the 14th, Lee stated on KBS Radio’s 'Choi Kyung-young’s Strong Current Affairs' that there was "no reason to delay" Hong’s reinstatement and that "a decision will be made after sufficient discussion at the Supreme Council." It was also reported that there were no opposing views during the Supreme Council meeting on the same day.

The leadership had planned to approve Hong’s reinstatement at the Supreme Council meeting as early as this week, but the agenda appears to have been postponed amid ongoing merger discussions with the People’s Party. The concern is that Hong’s active participation within the party could become a factor complicating the merger. Lee’s office explained, "It’s not about whether Ahn accepts it, but whether Hong enters the party before the merger process," adding, "Hong is someone who skillfully stirs issues with his remarks, so his statements could become a point of contention during the merger talks with the People’s Party, which is why the order is being considered."

Meanwhile, opposition remains among some first-term lawmakers. People Power Party lawmaker Kim Woong said in a phone interview that day, "I don’t see how his reinstatement would benefit us," and "As far as I know, none of the first-term lawmakers welcome Hong’s return." He strongly criticized, "He led the Liberty Korea Party during the 2018 local elections, resulting in the worst defeat in South Korean history. I don’t know if we should accept everything just because he is a heavyweight politician who broke the rules."

However, given that leader Lee has expressed his intention to push for Hong’s reinstatement, it seems unlikely that first-term lawmakers will openly oppose the leadership. People Power Party lawmaker Kim Eun-hye said, "Since the new leader said there is no strong reason to reject Hong’s reinstatement, there won’t be many lawmakers who openly oppose if the leadership pushes it," adding, "However, since Lee said he would discuss Hong’s rhetoric and messages that resonate with the times, we need to watch how Hong will speak."