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🇰🇷 South Korea /Elections & Politics

President Lee to Lunch with Hong Joon-pyo, Who Backed Kim Bu-kyum: 'No Reason Not to Go'

From Hankyoreh · (2h ago) Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • President Lee Jae-myung will hold a private lunch with former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo on the 17th.
  • Hong Joon-pyo recently publicly endorsed Kim Bu-kyum, the Democratic Party's candidate for Daegu mayor, raising interest in the meeting's agenda.
  • Hong stated he has 'no reason not to go' to the lunch, emphasizing his independent stance despite his past affiliation.

President Lee Jae-myung's upcoming lunch with former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo is generating significant attention, particularly given Hong's recent public endorsement of Kim Bu-kyum, the Democratic Party's candidate for Daegu mayor. This meeting, as reported by Hankyoreh, signals a potential outreach beyond traditional party lines by the President.

There is no reason why I should not go.

— Hong Joon-pyoHong Joon-pyo's response when asked about attending the lunch with President Lee Jae-myung.

Hong Joon-pyo, who left the People Power Party after failing to secure the presidential nomination, has positioned himself as an independent figure. His willingness to attend the lunch, stating he has "no reason not to go," underscores his assertion of being a "non-partisan individual" and "unemployed." This stance allows him to engage with political figures across the spectrum without being bound by party loyalty.

The context of the upcoming June 3rd local elections adds a layer of political intrigue. Hong's support for Kim Bu-kyum, whom he describes as a 30-year friend and the only person capable of solving Daegu's issues, is a notable departure from typical party politics. He argues for prioritizing capable administrators over party affiliation, a sentiment that challenges the prevailing political landscape in South Korea.

I have known his abilities for 30 years and believe that only Kim Bu-kyum is the person who can solve Daegu's immediate issues, so I supported him for the future of Daegu.

— Hong Joon-pyoExplaining his public endorsement of Kim Bu-kyum, the Democratic Party's candidate for Daegu mayor.

Hankyoreh, known for its progressive editorial stance, often delves into the nuances of political maneuvering and inter-party dynamics. This story highlights President Lee's efforts to broaden his political base and engage with influential figures from the conservative camp, even those who have publicly supported opposition candidates. The narrative focuses on the potential implications for the local elections and the broader political climate, reflecting a Korean perspective that values personal relationships and pragmatic political engagement alongside party loyalty.

We should elect capable administrators, not political opportunists, regardless of party affiliation, if it benefits Daegu.

— Hong Joon-pyoJustifying his support for Kim Bu-kyum despite party lines.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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