"A Figure Who Never Hesitated to Offer Heartfelt Advice to the Young Generation"
"Hoping for Your Return with Refreshing Candor"
Lee Junseok, the presidential candidate of the Reform New Party, commented on former Daegu Mayor Hong Junpyo's announcement of his retirement from politics, saying, "As long as there are young people who miss 'Hongkakola's' refreshing outspokenness, the name of politician Hong Junpyo will never be forgotten."
Lee Junseok, Reform New Party presidential candidate. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group
On April 29, Lee shared Hong's Facebook post on his own social media account, stating, "Reading Representative Hong Junpyo's words, my heart feels heavy and pained." On this day, after being eliminated in the second round of the People Power Party's presidential primary, Hong announced his intention to retire from politics, saying, "I will return to being a citizen."
Lee added, "For nearly 30 years, Representative Hong has always walked the front lines of politics with determination, and at times, that made him lonely. Especially for the younger generation, he never hesitated to offer strict yet affectionate advice, and that solid support has been a great source of strength for myself and countless junior politicians."
He continued, "You have truly worked hard all this time. After you take this brief moment to catch your breath, I hope you will return with your trademark candor for the sake of Korea, and I will continue to learn much from you going forward."
Earlier, the People Power Party's presidential primary election committee announced at the central party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, that Kim Moonsoo and Han Donghoon had advanced as the final candidates. Ahn Cheolsoo and Hong Junpyo, who had reached the semifinals, were eliminated.
On April 29, 2025, at the People Power Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, candidate Hong Junpyo closes his eyes after being eliminated 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
Immediately after the results were announced, at the disbandment ceremony of his presidential campaign in Yeouido, Seoul, Hong said, "I will no longer be involved in politics. Thanks to your support over the past 30 years, I have been able to graduate from my political life in an honorable and clean manner as of today, and I am truly grateful." He continued, "Now I will return to being a citizen. I will go back to living comfortably as an ordinary person. My role in this presidential election ends here."
Afterward, Hong posted on Facebook, hinting at his intention to leave the party. He wrote, "Tomorrow, I plan to leave the party I have been attached to for 30 years. There is no longer a role for me in the party, and I no longer have a reason to remain in politics." He added, "I want to live a new life. I hope to live in a world without conflict and division," expressing his gratitude to his supporters.
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