Hong Junpyo on Failed PPP Candidate Replacement: "Justice Has Prevailed... Kwon Youngse and Kwon Seongdong Should Retire from Politics"

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Junpyo on May 11 described the failed attempt to replace the People Power Party's presidential candidate as "justice has prevailed."

On this day, through social media, Hong stated, "Now, Kwon Youngse, Kwon Seongdong, Park Sooyoung, and Sung Iljong should take responsibility for causing confusion in the presidential primary and resign from the National Assembly and retire from politics. The forces behind Han Ducksoo should also all retire from politics together."

On April 29, 2025, at the People Power Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, candidate Hong Junpyo closes his eyes after being eliminated at the announcement event for the third round of the People Power Party's 21st presidential candidate primary. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

Regarding former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo, whose bid to become the People Power Party's presidential candidate was blocked by party members, Hong commented, "He ended his 50-year bureaucratic career in disgrace."

He went on to say, "I hope for the strong performance of candidate Kim Moonsoo," and added, "All those who do not even understand the basics of party politics should disappear."

Earlier, on May 10, the People Power Party canceled the nomination of candidate Kim Moonsoo in the early morning in an attempt to replace him with former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo, proceeding with Han's party admission, candidate registration, and nomination process. However, after tallying the results of a full party ARS vote, the proposal was rejected.

As a result, the leadership's attempt to replace the presidential candidate failed. Former interim leader Kwon Youngse resigned, taking responsibility for the situation. Kwon stated, "I deeply regret not being able to achieve unification," and added, "I will step down and take full responsibility."

Upon regaining his candidate status, Kim Moonsoo released a statement saying, "Justice has prevailed; now everything will return to its rightful place."