"We Will Move Forward Together with Lee Junseok and the Non-Lee Jaemyung Faction"
Hong Joonpyo, a former mayor of Daegu and a presidential primary candidate for the People Power Party, stated on April 24, "I will embrace everyone in the party, regardless of whether they supported or opposed impeachment."
On this day, Hong held an emergency press conference at his campaign office in Yeouido, Seoul, and said, "The party primary is turning into a petty contest, so we need to change the game," making these remarks.
First, he reiterated that if Han Ducksoo, the acting president and prime minister, decides to run, he is open to unification talks at any time. Hong explained, "I previously considered the idea of drafting Han to be unreasonable, but my position has changed. Since both party members and the public are demanding that I embrace everyone, I have no choice but to change my stance."
Although Hong had been negative about unification with Han, he made a dramatic shift in position the previous day. On April 23, he posted on Facebook, "If Han resigns and runs in the June 3 presidential election, I will leave the door open for a big-tent unification negotiation against Lee Jaemyung."
Hong also said, "As soon as I become the candidate, I will begin negotiations for a big-tent coalition with Representative Lee Junseok," adding, "I will also include the non-Lee Jaemyung faction." He expressed his intention to even include the Lee Jaemyung faction if he wins the presidential election.
Hong emphasized, "The primary is being viewed only through the lens of impeachment supporters and opponents, but if we continue like this, even if we win, it will be difficult to create a new nation. My proposal is to embrace everyone and make this election one that changes the framework of the country."
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