On the 22nd, Hong Moon-pyo, a member of the People Power Party, announced that he would not participate in the primary election for the general election candidates. Emphasizing 'devotion to the party' as he declared his withdrawal from the primary, it appears that there will be no subsequent actions such as running as an independent candidate.
On the same day, Hong informed reporters through a statement, "Today, I have made a painful decision to give up on the People Power Party primary."
He said, "I have long pondered what path would be the right one for the People Power Party's victory in the general election, and once again, I decided to run to be proudly elected and to support the Yoon Seok-yeol administration and regional development," but added, "At yesterday’s primary briefing session, I learned that I am subject to a 30% deduction due to the 'application of penalty points for candidates who have lost more than three times in the same electoral district.'"
After mentioning the criteria for applying the same electoral district rule and the suspicions raised during the primary process, Hong also expressed his regrets toward the party. He stated, "In the budget and Hongseong-gun electoral district, I have become a four-term member of the National Assembly by turning a gravel field into fertile land while enduring rain, wind, and snow, building a People Power Party organization stronger than any in Gyeongsang Province, achieving political results that have never once lost to the Democratic Party in the last presidential and local elections," and added, "If such achievements are not considered or recognized at all during the nomination process and only deductions are applied, it does not align with the transparent nomination justification and principles, so I cannot help but feel disappointed by the harsh standards imposed."
He said, "There are many reasons and stories behind my decision to give up on the primary, but now, I solely wish to become a seed for the overwhelming victory in the general election and to sacrifice and devote myself for the party in this critical era of national responsibility."
Meanwhile, Han Dong-hoon, the emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, said, "He is one of the elders of the People Power Party and has long contributed to the democracy of this country and the development of the People Power Party with great political experience," and added, "I express my deep respect for his path of devotion."
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