Jang Je-won, a member of the People Power Party, is questioning at the plenary meeting of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee in November last year. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Choyoung] On the 10th, Jang Je-won, a member of the People Power Party, sharply criticized the lawmakers who opposed the reinstatement of Hong Joon-pyo, saying, "Blocking the reinstatement of Hong, the party's previous presidential candidate and current presidential candidate with a support rate in the 7% range, is an inhumane agitational politics that mocks and bullies Hong by using him as a tool to highlight their own reform image."
On the same day, Jang stated on his Facebook, "The People Power Party is falling into a ghost-like hardline conservative frame set by a very small number of individuals, while ignoring the actual owners of the party, the people and party members."
Jang opened by saying, "The fact that the argument against Hong Joon-pyo's reinstatement has no substance was clearly revealed in the public opinion polls," adding, "47% of the general public and a whopping 65% of People Power Party supporters approved of Hong's reinstatement."
He pointed out, "Former floor leader Yoo Seung-min, with a support rate in the 2% range, Governor Won Hee-ryong of Jeju with a 1% range, and former party leader Hwang Kyo-ahn, whose name is barely recognized, are all rushing to pursue presidential bids," and questioned, "If these people are so much more reformist and helpful in expanding the party's base than Hong, then why are they still struggling with support rates in the 1-2% range?"
He continued, "Are you trying to label the 65% of people who support our party as hardline conservatives?" and raised his voice, saying, "The party leadership, who are servants of the owners, must no longer go against the will of the party members on the issue of Hong's reinstatement."
According to a public opinion poll released on the 9th by Money Today in collaboration with the Future Korea Institute and commissioned to PNR, 47% responded 'in favor' and 34.9% 'against' when asked about Hong's reinstatement to the People Power Party.
Among those who supported reinstatement, when asked about the timing, 64% hoped for 'immediate reinstatement' and 27.6% preferred 'after the party convention.'
Hong is scheduled to hold a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office on the morning of the 10th. He is expected to announce his position on reinstatement at this event.
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