Hong Jun-pyo vs Kim Woong Clash... "Early Blooming Flowers Fade Early" vs "I Will Live Like a Plum Blossom" (Summary)

Hong Jun-pyo "Early blooming flowers wither early"
Kim Woong opposes Hong Jun-pyo's reinstatement proposal... "Must change to be able to join"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Independent lawmaker Hong Jun-pyo criticized Kim Woong of the People Power Party, who is promoting himself as a 'first-term party leader.' He argued that it is unreasonable for someone who has only been in politics for one year to aim to become the party leader.

On the 9th, through social media (SNS), Rep. Hong pointed out, "Isn't it a bit unreasonable for someone who has only been in politics for one year to recklessly push forward just based on age and say they want to be the party leader without knowing the realities?" He mentioned that in countries like the UK and other parts of Europe, people join political parties at age 16 and have over 25 years of political experience by their early 40s. Applying such European examples to the emergence of young leaders does not fit the Korean context.

Although Rep. Hong did not mention any specific names, his remarks were aimed at Rep. Kim, who has announced his candidacy for the People Power Party leadership. Rep. Kim has been actively engaging in activities such as seeking advice from former emergency committee chairman Kim Jong-in regarding his leadership bid, while also addressing factional issues.

Rep. Hong criticized, "Looking at the reasons for running, some first-term lawmakers badmouth their political seniors and try to float their candidacy by relying on outsiders. Can party members really accept that?" He added, "A flower that blooms early withers early." He advised, "A flower forced to bloom out of season in a greenhouse withers immediately once outside. One must study more, build up inner strength, and engage in positive politics with their own abilities to grow into a national asset."

In response, Rep. Kim posted on SNS, "Early blooming flowers may wither early. But plum blossoms bloom even in the biting cold wind," adding, "Without that first flower, winter never ends." He said, "Flowers bloom to wither. Politics without that fleeting beauty is like an artificial flower." He continued, "Withered petals bear fruit, but artificial flowers only gather dust." He concluded, "I will live like a plum blossom. Sir, please live like an artificial flower that never withers."

Meanwhile, through radio interviews and other means, Rep. Kim expressed a negative view on Rep. Hong’s return to the People Power Party. He said, "Party members probably do not want it much," and added, "One can only come in if they have the attitude of thinking about party members and the party, and the willingness to make changes." The outsider referred to by Rep. Hong is presumed to be Kim Jong-in, the People Power Party’s emergency committee chairman. Earlier, on the 7th, Rep. Kim met with Chairman Kim to seek advice regarding his leadership candidacy.