Hong Joon-pyo Rejects Political Turmoil, Declares 'Legal Oversight'

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo declared on Facebook on the 27th that he would resume his legal practice and live as a "gatekeeper for the Republic of Korea," urging others, "Do not drag me into the political chaos any longer."

Hong stated that he is someone who hopes for the success of the current government so that the nation can stabilize and prosper. Emphasizing that he has stepped away from active politics, he stated he is now a private citizen who, unconstrained by partisan logic, points out the faults of both the ruling and opposition parties solely for the good of the country. Hong added that he does not concern himself with criticisms claiming he is flattering the Lee Jae-myung administration or acting as a sniper for the opposition again.

He emphasized that during his 43 years in public service—spanning roles including a righteous prosecutor, five-term lawmaker, two-time party leader, floor leader, two-term South Gyeongsang Province Governor, and Daegu Mayor—he achieved everything through his own efforts without relying on factions. He stated that because he lived by the principle of neither giving nor receiving improper favors throughout his career, he can enjoy peace in his later years.

Previously, Hong claimed that following the Daegu Police Agency's investigation into suspicions regarding the payment of public opinion poll expenses, the administration under Lee Jae-myung had been conducting background checks on him for the past year, and most recently, even examined his spouse's mobile phone records.

Hong revealed that he had re-registered as an attorney to visit former President Lee Myung-bak during his imprisonment but had since filed for a suspension of his practice. Stating that the times are becoming increasingly perilous, he declared he would register as a practicing lawyer to monitor the "barbaric behavior of the police."