Kim Moonsoo to Hong Joonpyo: "A Colleague from the National Assembly and Longtime Friend"
"Please Help Strengthen Our Conservative Party and Defend the Free Republic of Korea"
Kim Moonsoo, former Minister of Employment and Labor, who advanced to the final round of the People Power Party's presidential primary, addressed former Daegu Mayor Hong Joonpyo, who announced his retirement from politics on April 29, saying, "Now is not the time to retire," and requested, "Please help strengthen our conservative party and defend the free Republic of Korea."
In a letter titled "Letter from Candidate Kim Moonsoo" distributed to reporters that afternoon, former Minister Kim wrote, "Today, I write not as a fellow presidential primary candidate, but as a colleague from the National Assembly and a long-time friend," and added, "Retiring from politics is not the right choice at this time. Both Mr. Hong, party members, and the people all know this well."
Candidate Hong Junpyo, who was eliminated from the third round of the People Power Party's 21st presidential candidate primary, is listening to the impressions of the advancing candidates at the People Power Party Central Office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the afternoon of April 29. 2025.4.29 National Assembly Press Photographers Group Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group
Kim continued, "At a time when this country is in danger, Mr. Hong's place remains at the forefront of the People Power Party," and said, "Mr. Hong began his career as the 'Sandglass Prosecutor,' while I started as a labor activist. Although our beginnings were different, our passionate commitment to building a better Republic of Korea through our conservative party has always been the same."
He went on to say, "I have always respected politician Hong Joonpyo as someone who walks the path of a greater cause," and added, "Your words, 'I will return to being a citizen,' still linger in my ears. More than the regret felt by party members and the public, a deeper part of my own heart is moved."
Kim recalled, "During the 2017 presidential election, when the party had collapsed, it was Mr. Hong who stood alone, holding the Liberty Korea Party flag and persevering until the end," and added, "I stood by his side and helped lead the campaign. That is how we protected the conservative party and endured together."
He continued, "Please help strengthen our conservative party and defend the free Republic of Korea," and emphasized, "The final battle still remains. Both party members and the public still believe in Hong Joonpyo."
In the second round of the People Power Party's presidential primary, announced that afternoon, former Minister Kim Moonsoo and former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon were confirmed as the final two candidates.
Former Mayor Hong Joonpyo and People Power Party lawmaker Ahn Cheolsoo, who had advanced to the top four, were eliminated.
Immediately after the results were announced, former Mayor Hong stated, "I will now return to being a citizen. I will live comfortably as a private individual," and declared his intention to retire from politics, saying, "My role in this presidential election ends here."
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