People Power Party Responds to Park Ji-hyun's Public Appeal: "Those Who Should Apologize Are Hiding Behind"

Park Ji-hyun's Public Apology "I Will Take Responsibility and Change the Party, Please Trust Me"
People Power Party "The Public's Rejection of the Democratic Party Is Not Because of Park... It's Because of Established Politicians"

On the 24th, eight days before the June 1 local elections, Park Ji-hyun, co-chair of the Democratic Party's Emergency Response Committee, held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office to make a final public appeal to rally support. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] The People Power Party commented on Park Ji-hyun, co-chair of the Democratic Party's Emergency Response Committee, appealing for public support during her press conference, saying, "The people who should be apologizing are hiding behind Chairwoman Park, and it is truly regrettable to see her standing before the public, pleading for a chance for the Democratic Party."

Earlier, on the morning of the 24th, Chairwoman Park held an emergency press conference at the National Assembly and issued an appeal to the public. She said, "While touring nationwide campaign sites, I received much encouragement but also many reproaches asking why we are not reflecting deeply enough," adding, "I am truly ashamed and apologize. I will apologize a hundred, a thousand times more." She continued, "If you give us a chance in this local election, I will take responsibility and reform the Democratic Party," and said, "I will abandon politics that only clings to positions and pursue politics that align with the people and common sense. Please trust me, Park Ji-hyun."

In response, Kim Hyung-dong, spokesperson for the People Power Party's Central Election Committee, described it as "a public appeal reflecting the urgency of the local election crisis, saying 'I was wrong' and 'Though shameless, I ask once more'." In a statement that day, Spokesperson Kim said, "The reason the public is turning away from the Democratic Party is not because of Chairwoman Park," and pointed out, "It is because the established politicians of the Democratic Party, who ran without justification to avoid the political crisis they face despite having already been sternly judged by the public in the last presidential election, are responsible."

He added, "Do they truly not know that it is because they abandoned their political hometowns and fled to regions that suit their political calculations, recklessly running for office?" and emphasized, "In this local election and the by-elections, the public will make wise judgments, and the political world should follow that stern command."

Spokesperson Kim further stated, "We fully respect Chairwoman Park's intention to reform and innovate the Democratic Party," but urged, "The Democratic Party that Chairwoman Park speaks of for the future requires bipartisan cooperation. After the local elections, we earnestly request the Democratic Party to engage in cooperation for the people."