Park Hyung-jun, the mayor of Busan from the People Power Party, noted on the 27th regarding the conservative camp, "We should reflect on whether we have acted politically with the spirit of freedom, democracy, and republicanism while lacking inclusiveness, patience, and tolerance." Regarding the possibility of running for president, he said, "Not at this time," but added, "Regardless of who is in power, collaborative leadership is necessary." There are talks within the ruling camp that he has begun to pave the way for a presidential bid as a conservative contender.
During the keynote speech at the founding seminar of the 'Future Freedom Alliance' held at the National Assembly that day, Park said, "When we speak of rebuilding a new future on the foundation of reflection, collaborative leadership, teamwork, and at least inclusive politics among us are extremely important."
He stated, "The conservatives or the People Power Party tend to repeat blame and exclusion when emotions are strained, leading to division," and noted, "Instead of drawing strength, they are accustomed to exhausting themselves." He continued, "There are many good people in South Korea, yet they are hostile and at odds with each other, pointing fingers at one another," adding, "Once a president is in place, everyone just looks at the president, and when the president fails, we should not repeat getting frustrated together."
When asked after the lecture if he intends to participate as a presidential candidate, Park responded, "I do not have such plans for now," and emphasized that "I am not thinking about it or moving in that direction." He also remarked, "We do not know how the impeachment judgment will turn out in the future," adding, "Whether the next person in power serves or a new power is created, collaborative leadership is needed now."
This was Park's first lecture at the National Assembly since being elected as mayor of Busan in 2021. While distancing himself from the early presidential election, interpretations emerged that it was an effort to assert his presence as a potential candidate in the ruling camp. Unlike the nearly uncontested 'Lee Jae-myung dominance' within the Democratic Party, candidates in the People Power Party are hastening preparations for the presidential primary.
Regarding party reform, Park stated, "The People Power Party has become a party of the Gangnam area, while the Democratic Party has transformed into a party focused on the metropolitan area," adding, "Eighty percent of South Korea's elite live in Gangnam or are constrained by education and jobs to remain in the metropolitan area, losing a sense of regional identity." He also emphasized the need for leadership that allows regions to create their own crumbs of the 'cake' instead of just being recipients.