Hong Joon-pyo, the former mayor of Daegu and a prominent South Korean conservative figure, officially declared his candidacy for the presidency on Monday. His announcement comes amid political turbulence following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, whose controversial martial law declaration in December was upheld by the Constitutional Court on April 4.
The presidential election is scheduled for June 3, and Hong will compete in the primary race of the conservative People Power Party. He revealed his intention to run through a Facebook post, aiming to rally support from right-leaning voters and party loyalists. This marks another attempt by Hong to secure the nation’s top office, having previously run in the 2017 election following the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye.
Hong, known for his outspoken and combative style, served as a lawmaker and party leader before becoming mayor of Daegu. His campaign is expected to focus on restoring conservative leadership and stability in the wake of Yoon’s impeachment, which has deeply shaken South Korea’s political establishment.
The June 3 vote is expected to draw intense public attention, with the country still reeling from the rare enforcement of martial law and the constitutional crisis that followed. Hong's return to national politics could significantly reshape the conservative landscape as parties scramble to nominate strong candidates amid growing voter dissatisfaction.
With just weeks remaining before the election, Hong’s entry into the race signals a potentially fierce contest ahead. His track record, political resilience, and base in Daegu—a conservative stronghold—position him as a formidable contender in the People Power Party’s primary and possibly the national vote.