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Hong Joon-pyo, a presidential hopeful of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), leaves the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on April 29 after failing to advance in the third round of the party’s primary. He declared his retirement from politics following the defeat. / Source: Yonhap News

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, who previously declared his retirement from politics, emphasized the need for “conservative unity” during a meeting in Hawaii with a delegation sent by the ruling People Power Party (PPP) to persuade him to rejoin the presidential campaign effort.

PPP lawmaker Kim Dae-sik said in an interview with Channel A on May 19 that he and Hong had a serious and extensive discussion over dinner. “Hong said that conservatives must unite, that a grand conservative unity is necessary,” Kim recounted.

When asked whether Hong would join the campaign team, Kim responded, “He has decided to refrain from posting any political messages himself. If there is anything he wants to communicate, it will be through me.”

Kim, along with fellow lawmakers Yoo Sang-bum, PPP spokesperson Lee Sung-bae, and External Cooperation Director Cho Gwang-han, reportedly spoke with Hong for over four hours, including during dinner. The delegation plans to meet him again the following day in a second attempt to persuade him to take part in the campaign.

Earlier in the day, Kim stated on SBS Radio that he would deliver a handwritten letter from presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo to Hong. Regarding the letter, Kim said, “Hong dislikes formalities. Candidate Kim knows this well and gave me a heartfelt message to convey instead.” He added, “Kim’s message was, ‘I will extend my hand first. I will respect whatever decision you make. Now is the time for unity.’”

Kim acknowledged that persuading Hong may be difficult, saying, “He must have felt deeply disappointed. This is the party he’s defended for 30 years, and he has often stepped in as a savior during crises. This time, I believe he feels especially let down.”

He elaborated further, “Hong gave up his position as Daegu mayor to make one final run for the presidency with determination. But when former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo suddenly entered the race, the situation grew complicated, causing emotional strain.”

Asked if Kim Moon-soo had offered Hong a future role in government if elected, Kim rejected the idea. “No such message was given. To even suggest that would be arrogant. It’s not something Hong would accept,” he said.

In response to rumors from the opposition Democratic Party that Hong might be offered the role of prime minister under their administration, Kim dismissed them, saying, “Hong is a symbol of conservatism. Using him as a political tool to win the election is inappropriate. He has always stood at the center of the conservative movement, and to change sides overnight would be unthinkable—that would not be the Hong Joon-pyo we know.”

The PPP delegation departed for Hawaii on the night of May 18. Despite Hong previously telling them not to come, Kim stated, “If we didn’t go just because he said not to, that would show a lack of sincerity,” reaffirming their determination to win him over.