Hong: "My Role in This Presidential Election Ends Here"
Hong Junpyo, former mayor of Daegu, who failed to pass the second round of the People Power Party's presidential primary, announced his retirement from politics on April 29, stating, "I will return to being a citizen."
On April 29, 2025, at the People Power Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, candidate Hong Junpyo is moving during the announcement event for the third round of the People Power Party's 21st presidential candidate primary. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group
On this day, after the announcement of the second-round primary results at the People Power Party's central headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, Hong expressed his feelings, saying, "To the respected people of Korea and fellow party members, I am truly grateful that, thanks to your support over the past 30 years, I am able to graduate from my political life today with honor and integrity."
He continued, "Now I will return to being a citizen. I will live comfortably as a private individual," adding, "My role in this presidential election ends here."
Previously, on the day before, Hong wrote on Facebook, "I am focused solely on the presidential election and have no interest in party leadership. Having already served as party leader twice, would I be running just to seize party control like other candidates?" He added, "This is my last attempt, and if I fail to win the hearts of the people again and lose the opportunity to lead the country, I intend to retire."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
