Former Daegu Mayor Hong Jun-pyo described Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s presidential candidacy on the 14th as "absurd." He referred to some factions within the party promoting this as "immature" and described the promotion itself as "illogical."

He also seemed to target former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon, stating, "A new face (former President Yoon Suk-yeol) has caused chaos in the country for three years," and added, "It’s enough that we’ve struggled for three years; one cannot manage the country without experience and wisdom."

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo. /Courtesy of News1

After officially announcing his presidential bid at the Daehwa Building in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo District, on that day, Hong criticized, "Acting Prime Minister Han is not someone who would act recklessly or contradict his duties," and added, "The problem is some people inside the party acting immaturely."

He continued, "The acting prime minister should manage the presidential election fairly, and the fact that he himself is running is absurd," and appended, "The Yoon Suk-yeol administration has been impeached. He is the primary person responsible as the prime minister. The very idea that someone like him is running for president is absurd; promoting that itself is illogical."

He also raised critical voices against the "new face theory," saying, "Isn't it true that we spent three years in chaos electing a new face, who is a political novice?" and remarked, "It’s enough that we’ve struggled for three years. Anyone saying such things is foolish."

Former Mayor Hong commented that the recent activities of Lee Jun-seok, a member of the Reform Party, expanding his support base in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk (TK) area, known as the "heart of conservatism," are "not bad."

Regarding the possibility of Yoo Seung-min, a former lawmaker who declared he would not participate in the People Power Party primary, running for president as an independent, Hong responded, "Yoo is a smart person. Would someone who lacks confidence in the party primary think they could become president running as an independent?"