Hong Jun-pyo Declares Presidential Candidacy, "Will Promote Constitutional Reform to Lay Foundation for Advanced Nation" (Update)

Introduction of Bicameral Legislature and Medium Multi-Member Districts through Constitutional Amendment
Establishment of a 'Korean Dubai Free Zone' with No Regulations
Emphasis on Nuclear Balance Theory and Reducing Welfare Expenditure Leakage

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo has declared his candidacy for the 21st presidential election. He aspires to establish the foundation of an advanced nation by introducing a bicameral legislature and a medium multi-member district system through constitutional amendment.

On the 14th, at the presidential campaign office located in the Daehwa Building in Yeouido, Seoul, former Mayor Hong stated, "I will definitely win this presidential election and create a prosperous country, happy citizens, and a strong nation."

Former Mayor Hong presented his vision to "establish the foundation of the 7th Republic and an advanced nation." He plans to create a presidential constitutional amendment promotion team to uphold national legitimacy and achieve a constitutional amendment that opens a new era for the future.

He also proposed five national governance philosophies to usher in the era of an advanced nation: ▲ National unity through political restoration ▲ Freedom and creative economy ▲ Nuclear balance and armed peace ▲ Distribution according to productivity and welfare commensurate with economic growth ▲ Healthy families and happy communities.

Yonhap News

First, as a political restoration measure, he proposed introducing a bicameral legislature and a medium multi-member district system through constitutional amendment. He explained that he aims to restore lost politics with the spirit of 'Sintangpyeong (新蕩平),' which maintains the center of ideology and values, and the spirit of mutual recognition and coexistence that acknowledges and distributes each party's share.

In the economic sector, he plans to implement a '5-year plan for public-private economic revival.' He intends to establish a Future Strategy Institute to design Korea's next 100 years, where the public and private sectors will set goals and cooperate together. The regulatory approach will shift to a negative system. By establishing an upper house in the National Assembly to limit regulatory legislation, he plans to create a 'Korean version of the Dubai Free Zone' with no regulations, similar to Dubai. Additionally, he will introduce a 'New Industry Gate Free' system, where companies receive approval after entering new technologies or industries.

In the third area, diplomacy and security, he advocated for nuclear balance theory. Given the reality of North Korea's nuclear capabilities, he argued that South Korea must also possess nuclear capabilities. To respond to U.S. trade pressures, he stated he would visit the U.S. immediately after inauguration to hold talks with President Trump. With 'strongman leadership,' he aims to confront Trump confidently. Former Mayor Hong said, "If approached with legitimate diplomacy, we will respond diplomatically; if approached as business merchants, we will respond accordingly to protect our national interests."

Regarding welfare, he emphasized the principle that welfare should be expanded to a manageable extent. To this end, he plans to introduce an artificial intelligence (AI) blockchain system to reduce welfare expenditure leakage and manage national debt. He also defined non-regular workers without unions and low-income workers as groups that need protection. While increasing employment through labor flexibility, he explained that unions must also fulfill social responsibilities through transparent operations.

Finally, to establish social justice, he pledged to enforce the death penalty for heinous criminals and strictly punish major crimes such as power-related corruption, organized crime, and drugs. To ensure fair competition, he proposed reforming university admissions to focus on the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) and regular admissions, and introducing preliminary bar exams and judicial appointment exams for prosecutors and judges.

Former Mayor Hong defined this presidential election as a choice between the 'Hong Joon-pyo administration or the Lee Jae-myung administration.' He said, "It is a contest between candidate Lee Jae-myung, a flashy ex-convict with four prior convictions and five ongoing trials on corruption charges, and Hong Joon-pyo, a prepared president with rich experience and proven ability," and declared, "I will become the president who promotes the 7th Republic constitutional amendment and establishes the foundation of an advanced nation."