Hong Jun-pyo: "We must not engage in cuckoo-like politics that abandon the host after growing up"

Independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo is holding a press conference on the issue of rejoining the People Power Party and other matters at his local office in Suseong District, Daegu, on the 14th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] Independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo has now brought up the 'Cuckoo Theory' to criticize those opposing his return to the People Power Party.

On the 16th, Hong posted on his Facebook, "One must not engage in despicable politics like that of a cuckoo or its eggs." He emphasized, "Cuckoo politics, which deceive the people with sinister intentions, will soon be exposed and expelled from the political arena," adding, "One must engage in politics with dignity." He further stated, "The reason I was able to serve five terms as a member of the National Assembly, two terms as a metropolitan mayor, two terms as floor leader, two terms as party leader, and even run for president over 26 years without belonging to any faction is precisely because of my dignity."

The day before, Hong had mentioned the 'cuckoo.' He explained, "A cuckoo lays its eggs in another bird's nest. The cuckoo chick hatches and immediately pushes out the eggs of the original nest bird, taking over the nest as if it were its own." He continued, "When the cuckoo chick pretends to be the original bird's chick, the original bird mother feeds and raises it, thinking it is her own. Once fully grown, the cuckoo abandons the original nest owner and flies off to a new nest."

Hong's cuckoo theory appears to target those opposing his return, especially the so-called 'defectors' like People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Seung-min, who were formerly part of the Bareunmirae Party. It suggests that these individuals, like cuckoos, settle in the new nest called the People Power Party, act as if they are the owners, and oppose Hong's return.

Independent lawmaker Hong Jun-pyo posted a story related to the 'cuckoo' on his Facebook on the 15th.
[Photo by Facebook]

Meanwhile, internal conflicts have continued since Hong officially expressed his intention to rejoin the People Power Party on the 10th.

On the 11th, former People Power Party floor leader Joo Ho-young appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and stated, "Ahead of next year's presidential election, opposition unity and harmony are essential for victory," adding, "It is not right to say some are allowed and others are not." However, some opinions, especially from first-term lawmakers emphasizing party reform, differed.

People Power Party lawmaker Kim Woong, who declared his candidacy for party leadership, criticized Hong on his Facebook, saying, "Please show a more developed image to the juniors. I vividly remember how one word from you severely damaged our party's image."

On the 15th, Hong engaged in a verbal dispute with People Power Party lawmaker Ha Tae-kyung over his return. Hong criticized, targeting the so-called 'defectors,' saying, "Those opposing my return were the ones who fiercely opposed the opposition's victory during the impeachment presidential election and the disguised peace local elections," and added, "Do those who advocated for the party's dissolution outside the party have any grounds to reject me, who has protected the party for 26 years?" In response, Ha said, "Hong Joon-pyo, who stirs up anachronistic impeachment civil war, should not obstruct regime change and should step down," and directly urged, "Please do not sprinkle chili powder on this rare opportunity for party reform and regime change, and step down cleanly."