Hong Jun-pyo on Joining Kim Jong-in's Campaign Committee: "Feeling at Ease... Will Serve Quietly"

Hong Jun-pyo, a member of the People Power Party, is giving a greeting speech at the JP Hope Camp closing ceremony held at BNB Tower, Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 8th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] Hong Joon-pyo, a member of the People Power Party, said he feels "at ease" upon hearing the news that former emergency committee chairman Kim Jong-in has joined Yoon Seok-yeol's presidential campaign as the overall campaign committee chairman.

On the 4th, Hong responded this way when a post asking for his stance on Kim's joining was uploaded on 'Youth's Dream,' a platform he created to communicate with young people.

One supporter posted, "It seems like Yoon Geon-bang is playing games with our Jun-pyo hyung. Until yesterday, he was clinging to Jun-pyo hyung, but just a moment ago Kim Jong-in accepted the campaign chairman position. What on earth is going on? This is not how you treat people."

In response, Hong said, "That is not the case. I have become at ease."

Earlier, on the 2nd, Hong had advised Yoon to visit party leader Lee Jun-seok. The next day, Yoon and Lee had a dinner meeting in Ulsan mediated by floor leader Kim Ki-hyun, leading to a dramatic reconciliation.

During this process, former chairman Kim also accepted the position of overall campaign committee chairman. After meeting Lee, Yoon told reporters, "Dr. Kim Jong-in has just accepted the position of overall campaign committee chairman."

This agreement to join came nine days after Yoon and Kim clashed over campaign personnel appointments during their meeting on the 24th of last month, which had made Kim's recruitment uncertain.

Meanwhile, when asked about his own course of action, Hong replied, "I will serve quietly behind the scenes."

When another supporter said, "Kim Jong-in has appeared. Let's not jump to conclusions and watch together," Hong responded, "If they completed the presidential campaign using me, that is also a brilliant strategy," adding, "Since I had a role, I am also satisfied." He further added, "It's fortunate that I am no longer being stubborn."