Hong Joon-pyo: 'A Spring Day of Liberation from Elections After 30 Years'

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo revealed on the 11th that he feels a sense of relief after being freed from election campaigns for the first time in 30 years. He conveyed his feelings of shedding the long-standing burdens of political competition and election preparations through a Facebook post. "This spring, liberated from elections for the first time in 30 years, is a truly comfortable one," Hong said.

Hong expressed his discomfort with political issues and related figures, stating, "It's good that I can ignore the chirping of sparrows [petty figures/critics], and I don't have to worry about what people think when I go to the market." He added, "It's good to be free from stifling disputes, and it's good not to have to watch some YouTubers who create fake news and extort money through slander." The severance of ties with politicians is also a factor contributing to his peace, as Hong commented, "It's truly great not to have to deal with politicians who aren't even human.”

He shared that he is spending this bright spring time enjoying songs by Choi Baek-ho and Shin Mi-rae, along with various classic books, adding, "This brilliant spring day will pass.”