Statement Made via Social Media
Negative on Unification Talks Earlier That Morning
Hong Joonpyo, former mayor of Daegu and a presidential preliminary candidate for the People Power Party, announced on April 23 that he is willing to enter into unification talks if Han Ducksoo, the acting president and prime minister, runs for president. This marks a reversal from his previous stance of opposing unification with Han.
Hong Joonpyo, the People Power Party's presidential primary candidate, is giving an interview to Asia Economy at his election campaign office in Yeouido, Seoul on April 21, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
On this day, through social media, Hong stated, "If Acting President Han resigns from his position and runs for president, I will keep the door open for big-tent unification talks against Lee Jaemyung, even if I become the candidate." He went on to say, "If preventing a convicted felon from governing our country is the way to avoid such a national misfortune, I am willing to do whatever it takes." He added, "If this is the final calling I must fulfill for my country in these turbulent times, I will gladly accept it," expressing his determination.
He is indicating that he is willing to do anything to prevent Lee Jaemyung, the former Democratic Party leader who is considered the leading candidate in the Democratic Party presidential primary, from winning. This also implies that even if he becomes the People Power Party's presidential candidate, he is prepared to withdraw his candidacy in favor of unification with Han Ducksoo.
Hong's change of stance is abrupt. Earlier on the same day, during an interview with YTN Radio regarding the possibility of Han's candidacy, Hong said, "I am not considering him at all," and added, "I don't know if pundits are envisioning such a scenario, but our party's primary is already over, and I have ruled out any possibility of an independent run in the general election or anything of that sort."
The political community is closely watching the possibility of Han Ducksoo's entry into the race.
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