Hong Joon-pyo Announces Retirement from Politics After Losing in 2nd Round of People Power Party Primary

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, who was eliminated in the People Power Party’s presidential primary, has announced his retirement from politics, ending a 30-year political career.

On April 29 at 2 p.m., Hong held a press conference at his campaign office in Daeha Building, Yeouido, Seoul, where he declared, "I will no longer engage in politics," adding, "I will return to being an ordinary citizen, living freely without burdens."

Reflecting on his three decades of political life, Hong stated, "I am graduating from politics today," and expressed his desire to "leave the field of conflict." He further remarked, "My role in this presidential election ends here," signaling a complete withdrawal from political activities.

Emphasizing his return to civilian life, he said, "I wish to remain as an ordinary citizen whom people can freely meet in markets and on the streets."

After delivering a deep 90-degree bow to express his gratitude to the public and party members, Hong quietly exited the venue, officially concluding his long political journey.

Hong’s retirement announcement came shortly after the results of the second round of the party’s primary were revealed. He had resigned as mayor of Daegu to run in the presidential race.

During the primary, Hong competed against Kim Moon-soo, Ahn Cheol-soo, and Han Dong-hoon. The second-round results, based on a 50-50 combination of public opinion polls and party member votes, saw Hong fail to advance to the final round.

Hong first entered politics after being elected in the 15th National Assembly elections in 1996. He went on to serve four consecutive terms through the 18th Assembly, and held key roles such as the floor leader and chairman of the Grand National Party, as well as governor of South Gyeongsang Province.

In 2017, he ran as the Liberty Korea Party’s candidate in the 19th presidential election following the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye but was defeated by Moon Jae-in of the Democratic Party.

Reflecting on his political career during his retirement announcement, Hong expressed heartfelt gratitude: "I am deeply thankful to the citizens and party members who have supported me over the past 30 years."

Kim Dae-sik, who served as Hong’s chief of staff, commented, "I regret not being able to support Candidate Hong better," showing visible sorrow over Hong’s departure.

Meanwhile, the People Power Party’s primary saw Kim Moon-soo and Han Dong-hoon advance to the final round after the second-round results were announced on the same day at the party headquarters in Yeouido. With no candidate securing a majority, the two will now compete in the final stage. Ahn Cheol-soo and Hong Joon-pyo were both eliminated.

Kim Moon-soo emphasized the importance of "stopping Lee Jae-myung" and protecting South Korea’s liberal democracy, while Han Dong-hoon expressed his delight at making it to the finals, saying, "In the final round, I will fight alongside Candidate Kim to confront Lee Jae-myung."

After his elimination, Ahn Cheol-soo shared that he found it meaningful to have campaigned alongside the politically seasoned Hong, while also extending his respect to both Kim Moon-soo and Han Dong-hoon.

Han Dong-hoon, in turn, praised the insight and passion of both Hong and Ahn, highlighting the respect he held for them.

The People Power Party’s 21st presidential primary has now entered its final phase. Kim Moon-soo and Han Dong-hoon will participate in a televised debate on April 30, followed by voting by the electoral college and public opinion polls between May 1 and 2. The party’s final presidential candidate will be announced at a convention at KINTEX, Ilsan, on May 3.

With Hong’s retirement, the People Power Party faces a crucial period in its quest to select a candidate capable of winning the presidential election. Hong concluded, "Now that my political journey has ended, I will fully support the People Power Party’s candidate in their quest for victory."