"Will Yoon Resign Midterm?", "Will You Become Party Leader?" Hong Joon-pyo Responds to Netizens' Questions

Q&A at Youth Platform 'Cheongnyeon-ui Kkum'
"Party Leader and Governor Have Already Graduated"
Draws Line on Future Political Moves When Asked

Hong Joon-pyo, People Power Party member / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] On the 14th, Hong Joon-pyo, a member of the People Power Party, engaged in communication by directly answering questions from netizens. Recently, Hong launched an online community called 'Cheongnyeon-ui Kkum' (Youth's Dream), which includes a 'Cheongmun Hongdap' (Youth Questions, Hong Answers) board where young netizens post questions and Hong personally replies in the comments.

The questions posted on the Cheongmun Hongdap board that day were diverse. Many asked for Hong's evaluation of People Power Party politicians. When one netizen asked, "What kind of person do you think Lee Jun-seok is? How was your interaction with him as party leader and presidential candidate?" Hong replied, "He is a smart and clear-minded young man."

In response to the question, "If Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party presidential candidate, withdraws midway, would you be able to step in?" Hong dismissed it by saying, "He is someone who took the bar exam nine times," and added, "There will absolutely be no withdrawal."

The "Youth's Dream" platform's "Cheongmun Hongdap" board operates by having netizens post questions, to which Representative Hong personally responds. / Photo by Internet Homepage Capture

Additionally, when asked about his future political plans such as "Are you thinking of running for party leader next?" and "Is there a possibility of running for governor of Gyeongnam?" he drew a line by saying, "I have been party leader twice," and "I have already graduated from being a governor."

He also listened to personal concerns of young people. When a netizen said, "I am a high school senior about to take the college entrance exam and I am nervous. Please share ways to relieve tension," Hong advised, "Close your eyes and imagine a green barley field on a spring day." To the question, "I need to study but I can't concentrate well," he replied, "Try going to a temple and practicing meditation."

Earlier, after the People Power Party presidential primary ended, Hong announced his plan for the 'Cheongnyeon-ui Kkum' platform, saying he would "share dreams with the youth." In a post on Facebook on the 7th, he said, "I believe my role ended by making our party's primary dynamic and successful in terms of public interest during the presidential election," and added, "I want to create the 'Cheongnyeon-ui Kkum' platform, a playground for the enthusiastic 2040 generation who supported me, to talk about the world with them and proceed with future political schedules."

Hong's team opened the Cheongnyeon-ui Kkum platform on the 14th after a server test period on the 13th. According to the description registered on the official website, Cheongnyeon-ui Kkum started as an autonomous gathering space for youth and plans to expand into a platform leading social change by providing beneficial content such as debate competitions and volunteer activities, and reflecting young people's voices in real politics.