Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo criticized the emerging 'Han Duck-soo candidacy theory' among some members of the party on the 14th, saying, "It is contrary to common sense for a prime minister of a government that has been impeached to run (for the presidency)."
On the same day, Hong said on CBS Radio, "It is also contrary to common sense to nominate someone to manage the presidential election neutrally."
Regarding some lawmakers urging the candidacy of Acting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Hong stated, "A person pushing for something that goes against common sense is a strange person," adding, "It seems that a few people are going around with a petition (to urge Han's candidacy), and I hope they refrain from such foolish behavior."
Hong also stated, "It is difficult to mention specific individuals at this stage, but Yoo Seung-min and Oh Se-hoon are members of our party. Acting Prime Minister Han need not be included as a (Daesang) candidate."
In response to the question, "Do you agree that once the People Power Party conducts the primary and confirms the candidate, there will be competition in the third zone big tent?" Hong responded, "Given the short time this time, it seems difficult for that process to occur, but I believe the anti-Lee Jae-myung front's big tent can likely be created."
He emphasized, "Our party’s candidate will be central to creating the big tent," adding, "The person who wins our primary must create a big tent that encompasses both conservatives and moderates to stop the Lee Jae-myung regime."
When asked, "Does that mean the final candidate of the People Power Party must pursue a unification with the third zone candidates against Lee Jae-myung?" he replied, "Yes."
Regarding unification with former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moon-soo and lawmaker Na Kyung-won in the primary, Hong retorted, "Each of us should work hard; why is that issue coming up in the primary?" He added, "We are not targeting the primary but are focusing on the main election and are creating policies."
Regarding the points of differentiation with the Democratic Party's Lee Jae-myung, Hong stated, "I am free from corruption and scandal," and added, "I am confident that the public will not hand over power to a scoundrel stained with various scandals and betrayal."
Hong stated, "In the 2002 presidential election, candidate Lee Hoi-chang had higher approval ratings than current candidate Lee Jae-myung, but when a candidate is not suitable for the presidency, the situation can turn around in 50 days," and added, "I am benchmarking the candidate selection process of the (then Democratic Party) in 2002 to drive my campaign."