Hong Joon-pyo, a candidate for the People Power Party presidential primary, emphasized on the 24th, "I will go together without distinction between supporters of the impeachment (pro-impeachment) and opponents (anti-impeachment). I will also include those who support former President Yoon Suk-yeol."
Han Duck-soo, acting Prime Minister and presidential authority, noted that he would build unity against former Lee Jae-myung with Lee Jun-seok of the Reform Party, as well as a coalition with the anti-Lee Jae-myung group, indicating that he would go together after winning the presidential election with Lee Jae-myung's Democratic Party forces.
It is interpreted as a move to guard against attention being diverted to the candidacy of acting Han and the big tent, as candidate Hong has found confidence in support ratings in the recent primary of the People Power Party.
Candidate Hong held an emergency press conference at his campaign office in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the same day, stating, "Korean society is torn apart by division and conflict," and added, "National unity is the most urgent issue that can no longer be delayed. I will become a melting pot to resolve conflicts for national unity and embrace all political forces."
Candidate Hong had previously switched to a favorable stance regarding acting Han's candidacy and the formation of a big tent. In response, candidate Hong said, "The demands of party members and the public are to bring everyone together, so my position must inevitably change," adding, "How can one become a candidate without overcoming this challenge and hope to secure victory in the presidential election?"
He emphasized, "After winning the presidential election, the Hong Joon-pyo government will also work together with Lee Jae-myung's Democratic Party forces," saying, "Coexistence with them is necessary for the stability of the country and to address sensitive international issues."
Candidate Hong stated, "The primary contest must not be mired in whether to support or oppose impeachment, whether to expel or not expel former President Yoon, or the issues surrounding Han Duck-soo (support or oppose). The subject of the primary should be 'How will we create a new country?'"
The following is the full text of the emergency press conference statement.
Dear citizens and beloved party members, I would like to talk about a major transformation for national unity today.
Right now, our society is torn apart by division and conflict.
National unity is the most urgent issue that can no longer be delayed.
I want to be a melting pot to resolve conflicts for national unity and embrace all political forces.
This election is a contest to stabilize a chaotic nation and to move towards becoming a Sunjin advanced nation.
I will include everyone regardless of support or opposition to impeachment.
The state of martial law has been settled by impeachment, and we are left only with the goal of winning the presidential election.
I will also include forces supporting former President Yoon Suk-yeol.
If acting Han Duck-soo runs for president and engages in unification against Lee Jae-myung, I will also go together with acting Han Duck-soo.
I will also negotiate with Lee Jun-seok, the presidential candidate of the Reform Party, for a big tent. I will also work together with the anti-Lee Jae-myung faction of the Democratic Party.
After winning the presidential election, the Hong Joon-pyo government will also work together with Lee Jae-myung's Democratic Party forces.
The 7th Republic's Sunjin advanced nation is an era for national unity and future prosperity.
I will ensure that everyone unites to achieve national unity for great stability.
I will create a true country of coexistence between conservatives and progressives.
Thank you.