Mayor Hong Joon-pyo of Daegu hinted at a potential early presidential election expected in June.
In a post on Facebook on the 5th, Mayor Hong said, “As our Republic of Korea has raced from modernization and democratization to the era of advanced countries, it is time for us to leap once again and open the 7th Republic of Korea for a 100-year future, a time of advanced nation,” adding, “I have thoroughly prepared, considering this as the last mission of my 30-year political life.”
He continued, “Starting next week, I will follow the procedures step by step and stand before the public again.”
Mayor Hong emphasized, “The impeachment case of President Yoon Suk-yeol has now become part of the past, regardless of right or wrong. There is no time to be swept up in the impeachment controversy any longer, and with only 60 days left until the presidential election, a day is enough for healing, and we must rise again.”
Mayor Hong has expressed his intention to run for the presidency several times. Local officials believe he may resign from his mayoral position as early as next week to prepare for his presidential campaign.
On the 3rd, Mayor Hong also posted on Facebook, “Today I completed a book titled 'Dreams Come True' and another book titled 'Opening the Era of the 7th Republic and Advanced Countries,'” stating, “This book on the 7th Republic of Korea depicts the future Republic of Korea I envision.”