Jin Joong-kwon: "If Hong Joon-pyo Rejoins, the Party Will Return to Its Old Mode"... Hong: "Can't Turn Back"

Former Dongyang University professor Jin Jung-kwon (left) and independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo, who appeared on the YouTube talk show "The Path of the Republic of Korea, Jin Jung-kwon Asks and Hong Joon-pyo Answers." Photo by New Daily TV capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Choyoung] On the 7th, independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo said, "Even if I return to the People Power Party, I cannot revert the party to the old ways, nor can the party itself go back to the past." This was his response to former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon, who said, "Honestly, I opposed Hong's reinstatement."

On the same day, in the YouTube New Daily TV program "The Path of the Republic of Korea, Jin Joong-kwon Asks and Hong Joon-pyo Answers," former professor Jin pointed out, "As seen in the current Lee Jun-seok craze, the People Power Party is continuing positive changes, but there is suspicion and concern that if Hong returns, it might revert to the old mode."

He added, "There is worry that he might become a focal point blocking the party's innovation," and asked, "Both former leader Hwang Kyo-ahn and Hong, as senior figures, shouldn't they step back and support young leadership from the sidelines?"

In response, Hong said, "I disagree," and countered, "Just as time has passed, people's thoughts can change." He continued, "It doesn't seem like the days when one group would denounce the opposing group within the same house anymore," emphasizing, "That's why I intend to 'return to my home'."

Regarding his past 'controversial remarks,' Hong expressed, "In the past, straightforward and simple words were not labeled as offensive remarks," and lamented, "Nowadays, even slight discomfort is met with accusations of offensive speech, making politics very difficult."

He elaborated, "The dictionary definition of offensive speech is 'words spoken without thought,' but the opposition frames thoughtful words as offensive speech," adding, "There are moments when one must speak offensively even at the risk of being criticized."

In response, former professor Jin advised, "We must accept that times have changed," and said, "Personally, I like Hong, but offensive remarks overshadow his strengths."

Regarding the so-called 'Lee Jun-seok whirlwind' in the People Power Party leadership race, Hong said, "It's not a bad phenomenon. Isn't the public wanting change and innovation in the opposition party?" but also analyzed, "Ahead of the presidential election, the choices of anxious party members might change."

He added, "In fact, candidate Lee Jun-seok became known through a 'feminism debate' with former professor Jin," and said, "It was a very fresh debate that I watched closely. What Korean society needs now might be a debate on humanism rather than feminism."