Hong Junpyo Says He Will Retire from Politics If He Loses as Party's Presidential Candidate

"I Have No Interest in Party Leadership"

Hong Junpyo, the presidential primary candidate of the People Power Party, declared, "If I become the presidential candidate and lose, I will take responsibility and immediately retire from politics."

Hong Junpyo, the presidential primary candidate of the People Power Party, is giving an interview to Asia Economy at his election campaign office in Yeouido, Seoul on April 21, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

On April 28, through his Facebook account, Hong stated, "That is what I mean by saying this is my last challenge."

He said, "I am focused solely on the presidential election and have no interest in the party leadership," and added, "I have already served as party leader twice, so unlike other candidates, I did not enter this race to seize party control." He further emphasized, "I am putting everything on the line and will devote myself fully to building a country led by Hong Junpyo."

Hong has repeatedly stressed that this is his final bid for the presidency, having resigned as mayor of Daegu to run. During an appearance on SBS's "Pyeon Sangwook's News Briefing" on the same day, he said, "I have received many benefits from the Republic of Korea. I became a prosecutor through my own efforts and enjoyed my 11 years as a prosecutor, and I have now been in politics for 30 years. I consider this my last chance. It may not look good to remain in politics any longer."

He continued, "This is my final challenge, and if I fail to win the hearts of the people again and lose the opportunity to lead the country, I intend to graduate from politics. That is why I decided not to cling to the mayoral position in Daegu and resigned. I have spent about 30 years preparing to govern the country, but if I fail to win the support of the people or party members this time, I believe it is right to immediately graduate from politics."

Meanwhile, on April 29, the People Power Party will announce the two candidates who will advance to the third round of the presidential primary. The second round was determined by combining 50% of the votes from the party member electoral college (party sentiment) and 50% from a public opinion poll (public sentiment) conducted over two days, April 27 and 28. Through Facebook, Hong stated, "Regardless of the outcome related to the presidential election, I will adapt to the world and live my life," adding, "As I clear my mind ahead of my final challenge, I feel truly at ease."