Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo has ultimately rejected joining the election campaign committee of People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo.

On the 21st, Hong said on his Facebook, "My position remains unchanged that I will return after the presidential election," adding, "(The special envoy team) has all returned."

Hong Joon-pyo, who fails to advance in the 3rd primary of the People Power Party's 21st presidential candidates on the afternoon of the 29th, is listening to the candidates' impressions at the People Power Party's central office in Yeouido, Seoul. /Courtesy of News1

The special envoy team met with former Mayor Hong, who was staying in Hawaii, on the 19th and 20th, requesting support, including delivering a handwritten letter from candidate Kim.

The special envoy team included close aide Representative Yoo Sang-beom, along with Representatives Kim Dae-sik, former Namyangju Mayor Jo Kwang-han, and Spokesperson Lee Seong-bae of the campaign committee.

Representative Yoo noted, "The message from candidate Kim was that if former Mayor Hong wants, he will accept all requests and fully entrust the judgment and role to him."

Representative Kim reported that former Mayor Hong expressed his support for candidate Kim Moon-soo, stating, "I support candidate Kim because former President Yoon Seok-youl has left the party." However, it appears that they have not narrowed their differences regarding joining the campaign committee.

Former Mayor Hong declared his withdrawal from the People Power Party and retirement from politics on the 29th of last month, stating, "There is no longer a role for me in the party and no longer a justification to remain in politics."

Former Mayor Hong left the country on the 10th and is expected to return after the presidential election.

※ This article has been translated by AI. Share your feedback here.