Former South Korean politician Hong Joon-pyo announces departure from public life, stating his intent to resume being a regular citizen.
Farewell to a Political Heavyweight: Hong Joon-pyo Bids Adieu to Politics
Hong Joon-pyo, a veteran of South Korean politics, recently said goodbye to the political arena after his elimination from the People Power Party's (PPP) primaries.
A Career Full of Twists and Turns
Originally a prosecutor, Hong entered politics in 1996. Over three decades, he served five terms as a lawmaker and held prominent leadership roles within the conservative faction. As the mayor of Daegu from 2022 to 2025, he transitioned to local politics following his resignation from the National Assembly.
Hong made multiple attempts at the presidency, including unsuccessful bids in 2017 and 2021, ultimately losing out to Yoon Suk Yeol. In 2025, he made another ambitious run with the goal of establishing a "Seventh Republic."
A Contested Presidential Election
Hong posited his presidential bid as his "final mission" and emphasized the need for a new political foundation. He positioned himself squarely against Lee Jae-myung, encouraging voters to choose between their opposing visions.
A Legacy in the Making
Hong's departure from politics concludes a career known for its fiery rhetoric and decisive leadership. Known for his controversial remarks, he leaves behind an indelible mark on South Korea's political landscape.
[1] Source: JoongAng Ilbo[2] Source: Yonhap News Agency[3] Source: https://www.daegu.go.kr/web/main/aboutdaegu/mayor[4] Source: The Korea Times, "Candidates dig deep for PPP primaries" (January 28, 2025)
- Despite his loss in PPP's primaries, Hong Joon-pyo's opinion on the need for a new political foundation in South Korea resonates in the general news and war-and-conflicts sections of Cheol Ilbo.
- Hong Joon-pyo, a career politician who served as Daegu's mayor from 2022 to 2025, positioned his presidential bid as his final mission in the Seoul's political landscape.
- As the conservative heavyweight contender, Hong made multiple bids for the presidency, including in 2017 and 2021, with his latest attempt aiming for the establishment of a "Seventh Republic."
- In the recent presidential election, Hong emphasized his candidacy against Lee Jae-myung, encouraging voters to choose between their vastly different visions for South Korea's future.
- With the departure of Hong from politics, it remains to be seen who will take up the mantle in the general news and war-and-conflicts sections of Yonhap News Agency.
