Hong Jun-pyo Targets Hwang Kyo-ahn: "Merger with Yoo Seung-min's Party Will Only Cause Backlash"

"A Seasoned Politician Enjoying the Situation with a Novice Politician"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Former Liberty Korea Party leader Hong Joon-pyo criticized on the 22nd, targeting Liberty Korea Party leader Hwang Kyo-ahn, saying, "It is neither desirable nor beneficial, but rather counterproductive, to be so focused on a coalition with the Yoo Seung-min Party as if a student who has been playing until now is suddenly cramming for an exam."

On the afternoon of the same day, Hong said on Facebook, "We should pursue a grand coalition including Our Republican Party and civic groups, but being obsessed only with the Yoo Seung-min Party can be seen as a seasoned politician playing with a novice politician."

Hong added, "Calm down so that it does not become a 'Wag the dog' situation," and warned, "If you rush, you will suffer."

Earlier that morning, Hong again rejected demands to run in a difficult district. He stated, "I plan to move my residence to an apartment in Sammun-dong, Miryang, Gyeongnam on February 3rd and begin full-scale preparations for the general election."

Hong said, "There is no constitutional basis or political reason to restrict the freedom of party members to choose their electoral districts in the Korea Party that proclaims freedom," adding, "I am not a palm-sized gonggitdol (small stone used in traditional Korean games). It is too late for me to run elsewhere."

He pointed out, "After no contact for two years, suddenly trying to designate my electoral district unilaterally through the media is an attempt by some forces to politically remove me from the party."

Hong said, "If I served at the front line 20 years ago, I hope you understand that I also have the right to serve in the rear, which may be unstable, before my final discharge," and added, "Like the horn of a rhinoceros, I will silently go my own way."