"My Final Challenge... All TK Issues Will Be Resolved"
"I Am a Traditional Conservative... No Greed or Hypocrisy"
"I Want to Build a Republic of Korea Where Everyone Prospers"
Hong Joon-pyo, the mayor of Daegu, who has mentioned the possibility of an early presidential election amid the impeachment political turmoil, has expressed his intention to resign from his mayoral position and run for president.
On the 24th, Mayor Hong responded on his online communication channel 'Dream of Youth' 청문홍답 (Hong Joon-pyo answers the concerns of youth) to a netizen's comment saying, "Whether it is an early presidential election or a regular one, it is better to remain in the mayoral position," by stating, "If the presidential election is held, I will resign from the mayoral office." He explained his reason by saying, "If I come to power, all issues in TK (Daegu-Gyeongbuk) will be resolved," and "I cannot have a hidden backer for my final challenge."
On the same day, through social media (SNS), he said, "I always say that I am a traditional conservative," adding, "Although conservatives sometimes add various unnecessary remarks out of embarrassment, conservatism collapses due to greed, and progressivism collapses due to hypocrisy." He emphasized, "Traditional conservatives have neither greed nor hypocrisy," and "They are people who love my country and my people first and foremost and want to create a new Republic of Korea where everyone prospers."
Earlier, on the 19th, Mayor Hong appeared on SBS's 'Pyeon Sang-wook's News Briefing' and stated, "I have always been a presidential candidate," and "I am prepared even if the election is held tomorrow." He said, "While doing politics, I have been preparing for Daegu city administration and the next presidential election. My life has been about preparing how the country can be stable and how Korea can survive in the international community," adding, "They say an impeachment presidential election will soon take place, so prepare, but I have already prepared everything."
When asked, "If an early presidential election is held, do you definitely intend to run?" he replied, "I have thought about how South Korea can become a prosperous country during my 30 years in politics. Of course, I will run." Furthermore, when asked, "If you face Lee Jae-myung one-on-one in the next presidential election, are you confident you can win?" he expressed confidence, saying, "During the presidential primary two years ago, I faced Lee one-on-one and never lost."
According to recent political circles, both ruling and opposition parties are on high alert for the possibility of an early presidential election in May. Next ruling party presidential candidates, including Mayor Hong, Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moon-soo, and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, are expanding their media contacts, while former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon plans to officially resume his political activities by publishing a book on the 26th. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party of Korea is taking action for regime change by holding its first outdoor rally in front of the Constitutional Court and organizing the 'End of Rebellion Democratic Constitutional Protection New Republic of Korea Roundtable,' a coalition of five opposition parties.
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