Won Hee-ryong "Old Politics That Harms Others" vs Hong Joon-pyo "I Go Straight If It's the Right Path"

Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong is conversing with Han Ki-ho, Secretary General of the People Power Party, at the launch ceremony of the One Korea Innovation Forum held on the 22nd at the Kensington Hotel in Yeouido, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] Won Heeryong, governor of Jeju Province and a presidential candidate from the People Power Party, sharply criticized Representative Hong, who targeted former Prosecutor General Yoon Seokyoul amid the X-file controversy, saying, "It is a misconception to think that if Yoon Seokyoul is damaged, it will benefit oneself."

On the 27th, Won posted on his Facebook under the title "Defeat the old politics that harm others and focus on regime change," stating, "It is cowardly to pretend not to know in order to enjoy the benefits. If an individual seeks personal gain, the team dies."

Referring to the 'Yoon Seokyoul X-file' controversy, Won pointed out, "Not criticizing the surveillance against the ruling party but talking about verifying (former Prosecutor General Yoon) means falling into the ruling party's intentions."

He added, "In team competitions, organizational strength determines victory or defeat," and said, "If you try to stand out alone and obsess over individual skills, organizational strength collapses and the team loses."

He emphasized, "No opposition candidate should have the primary goal of becoming president. First, second, and third, regime change must be the top priority."

Independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo, whose reinstatement to the People Power Party was decided, held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 24th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

In response, Representative Hong posted on his Facebook the same day, saying, "When I see something wrong, I have never let it pass regardless of friend or foe, and even if I am criticized for a moment, I do not shrink in fear of that criticism."

He continued, "Many people are concerned, but where would that temperament (性情) go?"

He countered, "I do not engage in politics by weighing pros and cons; if I judge it to be the right path, I just go straight ahead. That is the driving force that made today's Hong Junpyo."

Hong added, "However, there may be moments in the future when I might just close my eyes depending on the situation," and said, "You don't have to worry. Politics that avoid political issues is cowardly politics."