Noise Intensifies, Quick Resolution Underway
Jo Kyung-tae "There Is Still Room for (Hong Joon-pyo) to Join"
Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate (right), and Hong Joon-pyo, a member of the People Power PartyPhoto by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Boryeong] The conflict between Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, and Hong Joon-pyo, a member of the same party, has intensified over the 'nomination issue' in the five National Assembly elections held alongside the presidential election. Eventually, Hong officially expressed his intention not to participate in the election campaign headquarters and criticized that the responsibility for this conflict lies with Yoon's side. While there is no disagreement that the issue must be resolved quickly, opinions inside and outside the party differ regarding Hong and the 'one team' concept.
On the 21st, Hong posted on Facebook, "It is truly outrageous to use nomination recommendations as a pretext and, led by Yoon's key aides (Yoonhaekgwan), portray me as an old-fashioned politician," adding, "I express my sincere regret that the agreement to participate in the Central Election Campaign Headquarters, which was reached in a good atmosphere, has fallen through." Just minutes later, Hong changed the word 'fallen through' to 'unilaterally canceled,' specifying that the responsibility lies with Yoon's side. In particular, 'Yoonhaekgwan' is interpreted as referring to Kwon Young-se, the head of the campaign headquarters. After it became known that Hong requested strategic nominations for some by-election districts during a dinner with Yoon on the 19th, Kwon publicly criticized the move as 'old-fashioned' while mentioning leadership-level figures.
Seemingly aware of the prolonged conflict between party leader Lee Jun-seok and candidate Yoon, the People Power Party is responding swiftly to reconcile. The day before, Yoon personally met with Choi Jae-hyung, the former Board of Audit and Inspection chief involved in the Jongno strategic nomination controversy, reaffirming his support and reducing friction. A campaign official explained, "During the internal strife between Leader Lee and Candidate Yoon, we wasted a lot of time just trying to settle family matters without focusing on policies or debates," adding, "Now, with the presidential election approaching, most agree that internal conflicts must be minimized."
However, opinions differ inside and outside the People Power Party regarding the 'one team' with Hong. Cho Kyung-tae, head of the functional division of the campaign headquarters, said on MBC radio that "the meeting between Hong and Yoon was much more amicable than the media reported," and "there is still considerable room for Hong to join the campaign headquarters."
On the other hand, those skeptical about synergy with Hong believe it is possible to succeed without him. One of Hong's strengths was considered to be 'youth support,' but since Yoon has recently been gaining support among young people, they believe targeting the youth vote is possible without Hong. Former People Power Party general election committee chairman Kim Jong-in also said on KBS radio, "There is no need to be overly concerned about the 'one team' idea," adding, "A candidate should have confidence in themselves and say 'I have the people's support,' rather than relying on a specific person or expecting help from them. I think it is wise not to have such thoughts from the start."
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