Yoo Sangbum, Kim Daesik, Cho Gwanghan, and Lee Seongbae Dispatched
Hong Joonpyo Already Expresses "Do Not Come"
Shin Dongwook Says "Kim Moonsu's Sincerity Will Not Be Ignored"
The People Power Party will dispatch a "Hawaii Special Delegation" on the 18th to persuade former Daegu Mayor Hong Joonpyo, who left the party after being eliminated from the presidential primary, to return.
On the 17th, the People Power Party election committee stated, "We have formed a 'Hawaii Special Delegation' to persuade former Mayor Hong and request his return to Korea," adding, "The delegation is scheduled to depart on the 18th."
On the 29th of last month, at the People Power Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, Hong Junpyo, who announced his intention to retire from politics after being eliminated in the third round of the People Power Party's 21st presidential candidate primary, is stepping down from the commemorative photo stage. Photo by Yonhap News
The delegation consists of Representative Yoo Sangbum, head of the party's unification task force, Representative Kim Daesik, head of external cooperation, Cho Gwanghan, deputy head of external cooperation, and Lee Seongbae, spokesperson.
Representative Yoo previously served as chief of operations at Hong Joonpyo's presidential primary campaign, Representative Kim Daesik as chief of staff, Cho Gwanghan as head of strategic publicity, and Lee Seongbae as spokesperson.
The delegation plans to deliver a handwritten letter from candidate Kim Moonsu to former Mayor Hong.
Representative Yoo stated, "Right now, it is a decisive moment when, like Admiral Yi Sunshin's 12 ships at the Battle of Myeongnyang, we must achieve victory despite unfavorable conditions," emphasizing, "At this turning point, former Mayor Hong's decision and support are desperately needed."
Representative Kim said, "Former Mayor Hong is a symbol of conservative politics in Korea," and added, "With former President Yoon Sukyeol's departure from the party, we need a central figure for the conservative camp, and we hope for his dignified return."
After losing in the People Power Party presidential primary, former Mayor Hong declared his retirement from politics and left the party, subsequently departing for Hawaii in the United States, where he is currently staying.
With candidate Kim's approval rating significantly lower than that of Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, the People Power Party is in urgent need of former Mayor Hong's support.
However, it remains uncertain whether former Mayor Hong will respond to the persuasion. The previous day, he posted on his social media (Facebook), "They don't even realize they've become a burden to the people, and they keep calling themselves the People Power Party while only appealing to the elderly," continuing his criticism of the party.
In a comment on this post regarding the special delegation, former Mayor Hong wrote, "I told them not to come," and added, "I feel sorry for Moonsu hyung, but I have already left that party."
Earlier, Shin Dongwook, chief spokesperson for the People Power Party, told reporters in the morning, "Although former Mayor Hong is critical, I believe he will not ignore the sincerity of the candidate."
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