An's Summoning of 'MB Avatar' by Hong... Criticized as "Childish"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Hong Joon-pyo, the mayor of Daegu and the party's standing advisor, recently criticized both Ahn Cheol-soo and Kim Ki-hyun, candidates for party leadership, calling the recent 'Nam Jin-Kim Yeon-koung photo controversy' merely a "one-time happening." He also recalled Ahn's past remark, "Am I MB's (former President Lee Myung-bak) avatar?"

On the 1st, Mayor Hong posted on his social media (SNS), "During the 2017 impeachment presidential election, there was an incident that began to crack the Moon Jae-in-Ahn Cheol-soo two-party structure, and that was Ahn's comment during the presidential candidate debate, 'Am I MB's avatar?' That was a childish and inappropriate remark for a presidential candidate," he said.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He added, "Using that moment as a turning point, I, who came from a failed party with only 4% support, surged to second place, while Ahn dropped to third. Recently, during the party leadership election, seeing someone post an inappropriate photo that did not help the party leader election at all, and another person criticizing that photo with childish remarks that the party would have been ruined if it were during the general election, I cannot help but doubt whether these two are fit to lead the ruling party."

Kim Ki-hyun, a candidate for party leadership, recently posted a photo on his social media (SNS) showing himself with volleyball player Kim Yeon-koung and singer Nam Jin, boasting of their friendship. However, it was revealed that they were actually strangers, causing controversy. Ahn Cheol-soo's side attacked Kim's side, saying, "If such things happen during the general election, the election will be ruined."

However, according to Mayor Hong, this is merely "childishness debating a one-time happening." He said, "In a party leader election, instead of announcing a grand plan for the country and the party's future, it is hard to tolerate the childishness of arguing over a one-time happening. Get a grip. With such childishness, neither of them will be seen by party members as suitable party leaders."

He also took a jab at the atmosphere in both camps trying to form a 'momentum theory' based on poll results. He said, "This election is not about public opinion but about professional party members voting. In the last presidential candidate primary, I led by more than 10% in general public polls but was defeated by more than 20% in party member voting."