Hong Joon-pyo Returns to People Power Party After 1 Year and 3 Months... Passes Supreme Council Without Opposition (Update)

Independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo announced on the 10th of last month at the National Assembly Communication Office in Yeouido, Seoul, that he would apply to rejoin the People Power Party. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] Independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo returned to his 'home' on the 24th. It has been about 1 year and 3 months since he left the Future United Party (the predecessor of the People Power Party) in protest of the party's nomination results during last year's general election.

On the 24th, the People Power Party held an executive meeting at the National Assembly and announced that they had approved Hong's application for reinstatement. Hong declared his return on the 10th of last month, after the Kim Jong-in emergency committee ended, expressing his intention to 'return to my home,' but internal discussions were delayed due to the party convention and gathering opposing opinions from some lawmakers.

Regarding Hong's reinstatement, Party Leader Lee Jun-seok said at a press meeting after the executive meeting, "The reinstatement of Hong was passed without any opposition in the executive meeting," and explained, "The effect is immediate, so from today, he is a member of the People Power Party."

Lee added, "I understand Hong is planning a public report, and if requested, he can attend," and said, "This is to support greater politics."