"I Support OOO"... South Korea Undergoes Political Realignment [This Statement Shakes Up the Presidential Race]

Conservative Supporters Show Signs of Division Ahead of Presidential Election
Hongsamo and YS's Son Declare Support for Opposition

"I support OOO."

As the 21st presidential election approaches, the political landscape of South Korea is undergoing a realignment. On the 13th, in political circles, the declaration of support for Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, by a group of supporters of former Daegu Mayor Hong Junpyo drew attention. Shin Younggil, the president of Hongsamo Central Association, stated at the Democratic Party headquarters, "At this critical juncture where we must move beyond division toward national unity, I believe candidate Lee Jaemyung is the politician who can lead Korea to become an advanced nation."

This press conference was attended not only by Hong Junpyo's supporters' group, Hongsamo, and the National Integration Promotion Association, but also by the former mayor's campaign external cooperation chair, SNS team, and media team. From the Democratic Party, lawmakers Lee Eonju and Hwang Myungseon were present.

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

After being eliminated from the People Power Party's presidential primary, announcing his retirement from politics, leaving the party, and staying in the United States during the presidential campaign, former Mayor Hong has attracted even more attention since stepping away from the political stage. He still retains influence within the party and shared his thoughts on the primary, expressing regret toward former President Yoon Sukyeol and the People Power Party. Conversely, candidate Lee has reached out to Hong, recognizing his political capabilities. On the day before the Hongsamo endorsement, on the 12th, Lee introduced policies he would adopt from Hong's presidential pledges and said, "If you return, let's share a glass of Makgeolli."

Although not an enemy general, the Democratic Party is visibly encouraged by its success in recruiting part of the opposing camp. The People Power Party, on the other hand, is displeased with the situation in which its 'strategic asset' is crossing over. Yoon Sanghyun, a People Power Party lawmaker, appealed on social media, saying, "While I understand the sense of betrayal and anger toward the party, now is not the time to resolve personal grievances, but to defend the freedom of the Republic of Korea." People Power Party lawmaker Ahn Cheolsoo also expressed concern that former Mayor Hong might support candidate Lee, urging, "You must never join hands with candidate Lee."

In contrast, former Mayor Hong stated on his supporter communication channel, "I cannot help but sever ties with a party that has been impeached twice," adding, "I am so disillusioned that I do not even want to go near it." He also said, "Regardless of who comes to power, I hope my country becomes a stable nation where the left and right can coexist."

There is another example of cracks appearing among People Power Party supporters. Kim Hyuncheol, the second son of former President Kim Youngsam (YS) and director of the Kim Youngsam Presidential Memorial Foundation, declared his support for Lee Junseok, the presidential candidate of the Reform New Party, via social media. Kim argued, "In any case, the People Power Party, which has become a disorderly group, will degenerate into a 'TK (Daegu-Gyeongbuk) United Liberal Democrats' after the presidential election."