"Unlike Ideologically Driven Channels"... Hong Junpyo Returns via YouTube

Hong Junpyo Returns to Host 'TV Hongkacola' After 5 Years
"A Talk Show Discussing Worldly Affairs Beyond Ideological Camps"

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Junpyo has officially announced the relaunch of his YouTube channel, 'TV Hongkacola.' After declaring his retirement from politics following his defeat in the People Power Party presidential primary in April, he is returning to media activities after about five months, signaling a renewed commitment to public engagement.

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joonpyo officially announced that he will resume his YouTube channel 'TV Hongkacola'. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

On August 30, through his Facebook page, Hong stated, "I will discuss worldly affairs beyond ideological camps," and added, "TV Hongkacola will be relaunched soon." He continued, "Over my 30 years in politics, I have received many benefits from the Republic of Korea. Although I left the party and politics after being deeply disappointed by two fraudulent primaries, I am now taking time to reflect on how I can repay my country for the rest of my life."

'TV Hongkacola' is a YouTube channel that Hong has operated since 2018, and it currently has about 750,000 subscribers. He explained, "When I started TV Hongkacola, I anticipated the rise of the one-person media era seven years ago. However, since I was in public office for the past five years, I did not personally appear on the channel, and only political news related to me was broadcast."

He added, "With this new beginning, I plan to personally appear and host talk shows discussing everyday life."

For the new season, former MBC announcer Lee Sungbae will join as a co-host. Hong emphasized the channel's distinction from existing political content on YouTube, stating, "With the help of former announcer Lee Sungbae, the newly relaunched TV Hongkacola will be a platform for discussing worldly affairs based on facts and political convictions, moving beyond the ideological camps that dominate some biased channels and creators."

Previously, on July 22, he had also announced through his youth communication platform, 'Dream of Youth,' that 'Hongkacola' would resume in early September.

Although he has not yet clearly addressed whether he will return to politics, there is speculation that the relaunch of his YouTube channel could serve as a platform for delivering future political messages. Hong continues to offer sharp criticism of the People Power Party and the political establishment through Facebook and other online platforms.