Hong Jun-pyo on Kim Jong-in Joining the Campaign Committee: "Glad to Serve Quietly in the Background"

"Cleared of Mongni Allegations... The Ship Has Sailed"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Hong Joon-pyo, a member of the People Power Party, expressed his intention to serve as a 'white-clad soldier' after former emergency committee chairman Kim Jong-in joined the party's election campaign committee as the overall campaign chairman.

On the 4th, Hong responded to supporters' questions in the 'Cheongmun Hongdap (Hong Joon-pyo answers the concerns of youth)' section on the 'Dream of Youth' website he operates.

When a supporter mentioned, "According to Hong's advice, Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, met with Lee Jun-seok, the party leader, and also accepted former Chairman Kim," Hong said, "It is truly fortunate that the complicated situation was resolved once things started moving. This is called a ripple effect," adding, "Now I can serve as a white-clad soldier with peace of mind, which is good."

Earlier, amid conflicts between Yoon and Lee, Hong had a dinner meeting with Yoon on the 2nd. He later stated on Facebook, "I only advised to reorganize the campaign committee according to what Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, is doing."

Screenshot of comments from Hong Jun-pyo, People Power Party lawmaker's 'Youth Dream' website section 'Cheongmun Hongdap (Hong Jun-pyo answers the concerns of youth)'

Regarding the comment, "Since former Chairman Kim has stepped in, don't jump to conclusions and watch," Hong positively evaluated, "If they completed the presidential campaign using me, that is also an excellent strategy," adding, "I had a role, so I am satisfied with that. It's fortunate that I am no longer accused of being stubborn."

To the opinion, "It was Lee's show. I almost got fooled," he replied, "That's not true," and said, "Now that I am free from accusations of stubbornness and no longer need to play a role, I feel at ease." When told, "Don't join the campaign committee," he reiterated his lack of intention to join by saying, "The ship has sailed."