"No Reason to Block" vs "Only Accepting Intentions" People Power Party in Turmoil Over Hong Jun-pyo's Reinstatement Issue

Lee Jun-seok "Though there is a bad history, I cannot oppose"
Kim Woong "Vivid experience of party image plummeting from a single word"

Independent lawmaker Hong Jun-pyo held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 10th, announcing his return to the People Power Party. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo's official declaration of his intention to rejoin the People Power Party has sparked ongoing conflicts within the party. Some members welcomed his return, saying "there is no reason to block his reentry," while others raised objections, citing Hong's past instances of offensive remarks.

Former People Power Party floor leader Joo Ho-young appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' on the 11th and stated, "Ahead of next year's presidential election, a grand opposition unity and harmony are essential for victory. It is inappropriate to say some are allowed and others are not." He added, "Lawmakers Kwon Seong-dong and Kim Tae-ho were already permitted to rejoin under the same conditions. It is not desirable to prolong this issue or maintain a conflict situation."

He continued, "Hong himself said he spent about 400 days outside the party reflecting on himself. Therefore, even if he rejoins, he is unlikely to bring many negatives to the party."

Lee Jun-seok, former Supreme Council member of the People Power Party and a candidate for party leader, also expressed support for Hong's return. In an interview with CBS Radio's 'Kim Jong-dae's News Up' on the 10th, Lee said, "Personally, I have had some bad experiences with Hong, but I cannot oppose his return."

He said, "In fact, our party is planning to open its doors to former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl and Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, ahead of next year’s presidential election," adding, "Ahn has harshly criticized our party many times in the past. Former Prosecutor General Yoon sent two presidents from our party to prison. If the party is willing to open its doors to such a spectrum, is there any reason to block Hong, who left due to disputes over nominations, from coming back?"

Previously, Hong left the Future United Party (now People Power Party) in protest of the nomination results for the April 15 general election last year and served as an independent lawmaker for one year and two months.

Independent lawmaker Hong Jun-pyo held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 10th, announcing his return to the People Power Party. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

On the other hand, there is strong opposition, especially among first-term lawmakers emphasizing party reform. Another party leadership contender, People Power Party lawmaker Kim Woong, posted on his Facebook, addressing Hong, "Please show a more developed side to the juniors. I vividly remember how a single word from you severely damaged our party's image."

He added, "Even salt gets moldy over time," and said, "If a young pigeon cannot cross a high ridge, please help, senior."

Kim Jae-seop, a member of the People Power Party Emergency Response Committee, also wrote on his Facebook, "I know opposing Hong’s reentry is like a mantis trying to stop a chariot (acting beyond one's power), but I still believe the only way to preserve Hong’s sincere loyalty, cultivated over 26 years in the party, is for him not to rejoin."

He emphasized, "Putting aside personal political gains or losses, if we reconsider that times and public sentiment have changed, I believe Hong knows better what he should do," adding, "I will accept only his loyalty and heart for the party."

Meanwhile, Hong’s reentry will be decided through the Seoul City Party Membership Review Committee and the party’s Supreme Council (Emergency Committee). However, Kim Ki-hyun, acting party leader and floor leader of the People Power Party, said regarding Hong’s reentry, "It is not an urgent matter." When asked by reporters whether the decision on Hong’s return would be made after the party convention, he replied, "We need to discuss it."