Kim Woong counters Hong Joon-pyo's "Early blooming flowers wither early" with "Live as an artificial flower gathering dust"

Hong Jun-pyo "Only 1 Year in Politics, Party Leader? Too Much" Criticism
Kim Woong "Thanks for the Advice, but Dust Only Accumulates on a Flower That Never Withers" Retorts

Kim Woong, Member of the People Power Party. / Photo by Jang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Kim Woong, a member of the People Power Party, countered Hong Joonpyo, an independent lawmaker who criticized him by saying "A flower that blooms early withers early," by saying, "I will live like a plum blossom. You, sir, live as an everlasting artificial flower."

On the 9th, Kim wrote on his Facebook, "Although flowers that bloom early wither early, plum blossoms bloom even in the biting cold wind," and added, "Without that first flower, winter does not end. Flowers bloom to wither."

He continued, "Politics without that fleeting beauty is like an artificial flower. Withered petals bear fruit, but everlasting artificial flowers only gather dust," and responded, "I will live like a plum blossom. You, sir, live as an everlasting artificial flower."

Regarding Hong's advice to "study more, build up your skills, and engage in positive politics based on your own abilities," Kim said, "Thank you for the advice," but added, "I will interpret that as a warning not to treat younger reporters or powerless workers carelessly with remarks like 'Why are you asking that? You might really get hit,' or 'Who are you? I didn't come to see your face. Someone like you...'"

Independent lawmaker Hong Jun-pyo. Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

Earlier, Hong had expressed a critical view of Kim's recent announcement of his intention to run for the People Power Party leadership.

On that day, Hong wrote on Facebook, "In the UK and Europe, political activities start by joining a party at age 16. By their early 40s, they usually have over 25 years of political experience, and typically enter parliament in their mid-20s. In Korean terms, by their early 40s, they are already multi-term, senior lawmakers," and questioned, "Isn't it a bit much for someone who has only been in politics for a year to run for party leader, relying solely on age without understanding these realities?"

Although Hong did not mention names directly, it was interpreted as targeting Kim, who is a first-term lawmaker and declared his candidacy for party leader.

Hong also criticized, "Looking at the reasons for running, can party members accept a first-term lawmaker who badmouths political seniors and tries to float by relying on outsiders?" He continued, "A flower that blooms early withers early. Moreover, a flower forced to bloom out of season in a greenhouse withers immediately once outside," using this metaphor to criticize.

He added, "One must study more, build up skills, and engage in positive politics based on one's own abilities to grow into a national asset," and concluded, "I watched for the past six months and couldn't help but say something."