Hong Junpyo Criticizes People Power Party's Candidate Switch: "Only Lee Junseok Remains"

Sharp Criticism Over People Power Party's Presidential Candidate Replacement
Political Circles Watch for Possible Public Endorsement of Lee Junseok

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Junpyo strongly criticized the People Power Party's decision to disqualify candidate Kim Moonsoo and recruit Han Ducksoo as the new presidential candidate, stating, "There is no longer a conservative party."

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Junpyo sharply criticized the People Power Party's decision to reselect the presidential candidate.

On May 10, Hong wrote on Facebook, "The first one self-destructed with martial law, and now the second one is going for a final self-destruction with a predatory replacement." The "first one" refers to former President Yoon Sukyeol, while the "second one" is interpreted as pointing to Emergency Response Committee Chair Kwon Youngse and Floor Leader Kwon Seongdong, the so-called "double Kwon" leadership.

On this day, the People Power Party convened both the Emergency Response Committee and the Election Management Committee in the early morning, initiating the process to deliberate on the presidential selection procedure, cancel Kim Moonsoo's nomination, and approve Han Ducksoo's party membership and candidacy registration. The party then officially announced the cancellation of Kim's nomination and declared that Han, who had been an independent, was now registered as the sole presidential candidate.

Regarding this, Hong commented, "With this, the Korean conservative lemming party has disappeared, leaving only Lee Junseok standing alone." This has led to interpretations within political circles that Hong is effectively expressing support for Lee Junseok, the Reform New Party's presidential candidate.

Lee Junseok Reform New Party Presidential Candidate. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

Lee Junseok responded immediately. He commented on Hong's post, "It seems that the path to realize the new politics desired by the younger generation is now our calling. Have a safe trip to the United States."

Given that Hong has previously praised Lee as "the next-generation leader of the conservative camp" and that they have considered each other political allies, there is growing attention in political circles to the possibility that Hong may publicly endorse Lee Junseok.

Hong also revealed that the previous day, Kim Moonsoo had offered him the position of "Chief Campaign Advisor," but he politely declined, stating, "I have made it clear that I will not be involved in this presidential election."