"I Will Listen to Hong's Vision for the Future"
Kim Daesik, a member of the People Power Party who traveled to Hawaii to meet former Daegu Mayor Hong Junpyo, criticized the recent speculation in political circles about "Hong Junpyo being appointed as Prime Minister under a Lee Jaemyung administration." He stated, "Former Mayor Hong Junpyo is a senior figure in our party and a symbol of conservatism," adding, "It is inappropriate to use him as a mere political tactic or strategy to win an election."
On May 19, during an appearance on SBS Radio's "Kim Taehyun's Political Show," Kim said, "For the past 30 years, former Mayor Hong has served as a central figure in conservatism, and if that were to change overnight, he would no longer be Hong Junpyo. The path he has walked would collapse in an instant, and he would lose the respect of the people."
There has been speculation in political circles that Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, would appoint former Mayor Hong as Prime Minister if elected. However, both Lee's camp and Hong have stated that such speculation is groundless.
Kim and other members of the so-called "Hawaii delegation" departed for Hawaii, United States, the previous day to persuade former Mayor Hong to join the election campaign committee. After losing in the People Power Party's presidential primary, Hong left the party and is currently staying in Hawaii. Kim said, "Former Mayor Hong is a person with the foresight to see the future, so I believe he has his own thoughts. When I meet him this time, I hope to hear about his plans."
Former Daegu Mayor Hong Junpyo is announcing his intention to retire from politics at the election campaign office in Daehwa Building, Yeouido, Seoul on the 29th of last month. Photo by Yonhap News
When asked whether persuading former Mayor Hong would be difficult, Kim replied, "We are comrades who have walked through the same era together. Sometimes our hearts may differ or our expressions may be strong, but especially at times like this, someone needs to reach out a hand." He added, "Former Mayor Hong must have felt considerable disappointment during this presidential primary. He has been with the party for 30 years and has always stepped up to rebuild the party in difficult times. I believe my role is to empathize with him and listen to his feelings of disappointment."
He went on to say that "the departure of former President Yoon Sukyeol from the party will help persuade former Mayor Hong to join the campaign committee." Kim said, "Former President Yoon was backed by the conservative right as president and served as Prosecutor General under a Democratic Party administration during difficult times, but was abandoned by the public due to the impeachment under martial law and eventually left the party. Although it is late, it is fortunate that former President Yoon has taken responsibility for his actions."
He continued, "This will be quite helpful in appealing to centrist voters, and we will likely see some consolidation among conservatives in the election. Former Mayor Hong may also express his views on this matter. If he delivers a message, it could serve as a good opportunity for conservatives to unite."
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