Confirmed During People Power Party Presidential Debate
"Also Revealed Suggestion for Yoon to Announce Directly Due to Concerns Over Han Donghoon's Opposition"
Hong Joonpyo, a former mayor of Daegu and a preliminary presidential candidate for the People Power Party, revealed that he was offered the position of prime minister with full executive authority by former President Yoon Sukyeol.
On the 26th, during a People Power Party presidential candidate TV debate broadcast on MBN, Hong disclosed this information. According to him, in August of last year, former President Yoon said, "It is extremely difficult for me, and I find it hard to continue. So, I would like you to come up as prime minister and serve as a prime minister with full executive authority." Yoon added, "I am considering leaving domestic affairs entirely to you, while I focus only on foreign affairs and national defense."
On the 26th, at the Maekyung Media Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, Hong Joonpyo and Han Donghoon, candidates in the second round of the People Power Party presidential primary, are shaking hands during the debate. Photo by Yonhap News
In response, Hong said he questioned whether it would be appropriate for him to accept, noting, "It has been just over two years since I came down to serve as mayor of Daegu. Would it be right for me to go back up now?" He also advised, "If you really want to do it, wait until after the budget bill passes at the end of the year." Hong further emphasized the importance of the nomination process, stating, "If you discuss it with the chief of staff, rumors will spread, and Han Donghoon, who was then the party leader (and is now a presidential candidate), will oppose it. So, I told him to announce it directly after the budget bill passes."
Hong also confirmed his willingness to accept the proposal. He revealed, "I said I would give up the next presidential election and take the position for the stability of the country."
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