"Are You a Stray Dog? Fight in Front of Your House" Jin Joong-kwon Targets Hong Joon-pyo's 'Hometown Candidacy'

Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon criticized Hong Joon-pyo, former leader of the Liberty Korea Party. Photo by Jin Joong-kwon (Facebook screenshot)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon targeted Hong Joon-pyo, former leader of the Liberty Korea Party, who declared his candidacy for the 21st National Assembly election in the Gyeongnam Miryang·Uiryeong·Haman·Changnyeong region, saying, "Are you a stray dog? Fight in front of your own house."

On the 20th, Jin posted on his Facebook, quoting an article containing remarks by former leader Hong, and made this comment.

He added, "If you were once a presidential candidate, do not lighten that weight yourself."

Hong Joon-pyo, former leader of the Liberty Korea Party, is speaking at a lecture titled "Talking about Nation Rebuilding with Hong Joon-pyo and Youth" held on the afternoon of September 3 last year at Bongnim Hall, Changwon National University, Uichang-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongnam. Photo by Yonhap News

Earlier, former leader Hong expressed frustration at a meeting held at Haman County Office, saying, "Most people run in their hometowns, so why am I the only one who is not allowed to run?"

Hong stated, "I have served four terms as a lawmaker in other regions such as Songpa and Dongdaemun in Seoul, and I want to finish in my hometown, but there is a lot of talk about my candidacy. Is there anyone among the district lawmakers who runs in a place that is not their hometown? This does not make sense."

Regarding some calls to reconsider his candidacy, he said, "I do not consider those who are preparing for the nomination in the same electoral district as my election opponents, but whoever receives the nomination, it is right to conduct the election centered on that person," adding, "If the party's nomination management committee conducts the nomination through a fair process rather than private recommendation, I will accept the results," and "I am not asking for special treatment because I was the party leader, but please judge fairly."

He explained, "In the 2022 presidential election, PK (Busan·Gyeongnam) is a key strategic area with 8.4 million residents, but it seems the central party is overlooking this," and "Since the PK vote decides the direction of the regime and there is no central figure here, I returned to Gyeongnam to build that foundation."

On the same day, former leader Hong first visited Haman among his election districts, visiting Haman Gaya Market and Haman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, then moved to Uiryeong County to meet local merchants. Hong plans to move to either Miryang or Changnyeong early next month.