Hong Joonpyo in Blue T-shirt and Red Jacket Says, "I Will Return Feeling Lighthearted"

Hints at Return While Staying in Hawaii
Attention on Possibility of Founding a New Party Amid Conservative Realignment

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joonpyo, currently staying in Hawaii, USA, posted a message hinting at his return to Korea. On the 12th, Hong posted a photo, apparently taken on a Hawaiian beach, on his social media account, writing, "I will bury my public indignation in the Pacific Ocean and return feeling lighthearted." In the photo, Hong is seen wearing a red cap, a red jumper, and a blue T-shirt underneath. Previously, on May 10, after failing to win the People Power Party's presidential primary, Hong announced his retirement from politics and left for Hawaii.

Hong Joonpyo in Blue T-shirt and Red Jacket Says, "I Will Return Feeling Lighthearted"

Afterwards, a special delegation from the People Power Party visited Hawaii to persuade him to join the election campaign committee, but Hong declined, stating, "My position to return after the presidential election remains unchanged." During the presidential election period, he continued to criticize the People Power Party through social media. On June 11, he again pointed at the party, saying, "The Lee Jaemyung administration will soon begin the process of dissolving the party, so you should each prepare to survive on your own." He also commented on internal criticism within the party, stating, "What I am saying is factual and a warning to respond accordingly, but there are fools who take it as a personal attack."

As Hong, who had declared his retirement from politics and stayed in Hawaii after failing in the People Power Party's presidential primary, now hints at returning to Korea, some in political circles are once again raising the possibility of him founding a new party. Previously, through his communication channel with supporters, "Dream of Youth," Hong had also hinted at the possibility of establishing a new party. While he dismissed rumors about joining the Reform New Party as "groundless," he left the door open to working with Lee Junseok, a member of the Reform New Party, by responding "Understood" to an online comment suggesting, "It would be good if you go next year."

In addition, conservative commentator and lawyer Seo Jungwook appeared on a radio program and claimed, "Former Mayor Hong Joonpyo and Representative Lee will establish a new party next year to lead a conservative realignment." He emphasized that "there is discussion about Hong running for Seoul mayor and Lee running for Gyeonggi governor to create momentum." However, regarding this, Representative Lee Junseok drew a line, saying, "Political commentators may speculate on various scenarios, but this is something that has never been considered, so I find it puzzling."