Hong Jun-pyo Launches Momentum for '1il1gongyak'... Criticized as 'Weak' Due to Lack of Specificity

Welfare Pledge on the 28th: "Double for the Struggling and Poor"
Direction Present but No Detailed Explanation

Hong Joon-pyo, a presidential primary candidate of the People Power Party, is announcing the 'Major Shift in Welfare for the Common People' pledge on the morning of the 28th at the JP Hope Camp in Yeouido, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Hong Jun-pyo, a presidential candidate from the People Power Party, is gaining momentum with his ‘One Pledge a Day’ campaign. Given the strong criticism that the primary race has been dominated by negativity, he aims to distinguish himself as a ‘policy candidate.’ However, some critics argue that the pledges, which are released almost daily, lack specificity and are therefore ‘bland.’

On the 28th, Hong held a press conference at his presidential campaign office in Yeouido, Seoul, where he announced seven major pledges under the theme of a ‘Great Transformation of Welfare for the Common People.’ The pledges include establishing a Senior Welfare Agency and covering nursing care costs through health insurance. He also proposed implementing a ‘deferred tuition payment system’ to support university students and promised to set up a ‘Great Transformation of Welfare Committee for the Common People’ immediately upon taking office.

After the press conference, Hong told reporters, "I believe it is more appropriate to give twice as much support to those who are struggling, poor, and living in hardship rather than providing universal welfare benefits equally to everyone," adding, "So-called progressive leftists focus on political ideology and uniform equality, but I place political value on ‘freedom.’"

Since the 24th, a week before the party’s candidate selection, he has been unveiling one pledge each day. The pledges cover a wide range of fields including media, economy, foreign affairs and security, and national defense, often accompanied by modifiers such as ‘great transformation’ and ‘great reform.’ Political commentator Lee Jong-hoon harshly criticized Hong’s pledges, saying, "They have a lot of ‘refreshing’ appeal. On the surface, they may feel satisfying, but they don’t seem achievable." He also pointed out, "The lack of specificity was revealed during TV debates. When asked ‘how exactly will you do it?’ he couldn’t answer. Presenting only rough plans is not suitable for today’s times."

On the afternoon of the 27th, the People Power Party's presidential primary candidates attended a joint debate for the Gangwon region held at G1 Gangwon Minbang in Dong-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon. From left to right: Yoon Seok-yeol, Won Hee-ryong, Yoo Seung-min, Hong Joon-pyo. 2021.10.27 [Image source=Yonhap News]

This weakness has become a major point of attack from rival candidates in the primary race. Former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min directly criticized Hong’s pledge to abolish short selling of stocks during a TV debate the day before, saying, "A complete ban poses a long-term risk to the healthy development of the capital market."

Meanwhile, Hong’s welfare pledges announced that day have a broad policy direction but lack details such as timing and funding plans.

In response to such criticism, Hong’s camp explained that the pledges are meant to indicate ‘direction.’ Spokesperson Yeo Myung said in a phone interview that day, "The detailed parts will likely be supplemented by the party once we enter the main election." Regarding the criticism that he is overly obsessed with ‘shock value,’ Yeo explained, "The reason the wind of regime change is blowing now is due to dissatisfaction with the current administration," adding, "Policies that completely overturn existing government policies by 180% are necessary."