South Gyeongsang governor declares for presidency

By Kang Seung-woo

Hong Joon-pyo

South Gyeongsang Governor Hong Joon-pyo officially announced Wednesday that he will run in the 2017 presidential election.

“As I have gotten affairs of the province back on track, I will prepare for the presidential election from now on,“ Hong said during a New Year’s press conference held at the provincial headquarters in Changwon.

Hong, a prosecutor-turned-politician, said that he will first focus on forming a political group that supports him.

The 60-year-old was elected as chairman of the Grand National Party, a forerunner of the Saenuri Party, in July 2011, but stepped down four months later following a series of election defeats for the party and allegations that one of its lawmakers had been involved in a hacking attack on the website of the National Election Commission.

“While serving as the chairman, I had difficulty in defending myself against mounting pressure. I have never belonged to any faction, but I feel the need to have a supporting base,” he said.

With Hong’s declaration, there is speculation that a presidential race from within the ruling party is likely to heat up earlier than first thought.

Along with Hong, Chairman Kim Moo-sung and former Gyeonggi Governor Kim Moon-soo are expected to run for the presidency.