Denied Joining the Reform Party, but Left the Possibility Open
"Pseudo-Conservative Party Must Now Be Dismantled," He Argues
Former Daegu Mayor Hong Junpyo has drawn a clear line against joining the Reform Party, but has shown interest in forming a new conservative force to replace the People Power Party. On June 9, through his communication channel "Dream of Youth," Hong addressed rumors about joining the Reform Party, stating, "The idea of joining the Reform Party is groundless." On the channel, one user expressed concern, saying, "There are rumors that Mayor Hong is moving to the Reform Party. If you do, you will be labeled as a 'bat' (someone who switches sides)." The user added, "If you are going to join the Reform Party, please do so next year," to which Hong replied, "Understood," leaving open the possibility of joining hands with Representative Lee Junseok.
When another user advised, "No third party has ever succeeded. Please do not completely close the door on returning to the People Power Party," Hong replied, "I believe the Lee Jaemyung administration will file a petition to dissolve the People Power Party as an unconstitutional party, citing 'collusion in rebellion' and the 'forced candidate replacement incident' as reasons." He added, "The starting point is the passage of the special prosecutor law on rebellion," making it clear that he has no intention of returning to the People Power Party, whose future is uncertain. In response to supporters' calls to "create a new party centered around Hong Junpyo," he said, "Understood," indicating that he would consider making a move during political realignment, depending on the future actions of the People Power Party and whether a petition for dissolution as an unconstitutional party is filed.
Previously, on June 8, Hong stated, "The pseudo-conservative party, which has been one pillar of the two-party system in Yeouido, must now be dismantled," emphasizing, "New forces that prioritize the national interest must come together to shape the future of Korea in opposition to the Democratic Party's authoritarian government." He continued, "We must prepare for a new era through the integration of so-called conservatives, progressives, and youth," expressing interest in a new type of party centered on young people.
Meanwhile, there is both analysis and criticism that Hong, who declared his retirement from politics and left for the United States, continues to criticize the People Power Party through social networking services (SNS) as he considers a possible future role in conservative realignment. On June 6, Chun Haram, acting leader and floor leader of the Reform Party, said in an interview with KBS Radio's "Jeonggyeok Sisa," "Although former Mayor Hong has said he is quitting politics, I believe he will play another role," adding, "There is a high possibility that attempts to reform the People Power Party or its convention will turn into chaos, and if that happens, a very wide political space will naturally open up for Hong Junpyo to be active."
On the other hand, lawyer Shin Pyung wrote on his SNS on June 7, "What was the decisive factor in the outcome of the last 6.3 presidential election?" He then argued, "If I had to pick just one, it was the stark difference in organizational strength, that is, the power of unity." He continued, "The 'rebellion' frame, which already served as a stigmatizing mark of fate, was difficult enough to handle, but people who undermined the effort kept appearing everywhere," and criticized, "The one who contributed the most was former Daegu Mayor Hong Junpyo. Now he is fervently arguing that the People Power Party deserves to be dissolved." Furthermore, he said, "Within the People Power Party and the broader conservative camp, not only Hong Junpyo but also others who have grown up indulged and now act recklessly without discernment seem to exist. If we do not decisively cut ties with such people, the damage will persist. The 'Bongsunga Hakdang' (a reference to a disorderly group) should be closed as soon as possible and replaced with a proper school," he pointed out.
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