Hwang Kyo-an: "Our Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon Has Fallen"

Hwang Kyo-an, YTN Radio Interview
"Deceiving People with Corrupt False Politics"

"Our Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon has changed. He has fallen."

Hwang Kyo-ahn, former leader of the United Future Party known as a devout Christian, said this during an interview on the morning of the 14th with YTN Radio's 'News King Park Ji-hoon.' Hwang, affiliated with the People Power Party, sharply criticized Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon. Although Hwang and Jeon were perceived as comrades both religiously and in their strong conservative stance, they are now politically estranged.

Former leader Hwang said, "He has fallen. That is why we worked together before, but after his fall, we cannot work together. That is why I filed the first lawsuit and then a second one as well."

Hwang Kyo-ahn, the candidate for the leader of the People Power Party, is being interviewed at the election situation room in Yeouido, Seoul, on February 10. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

In particular, Hwang emphasized, "(Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon) is deceiving many people through polluted false politics. That is why I am angry about this and have declared a break."

Hwang also revealed that Pastor Jeon’s side demanded nominations during the 2020 general election. Hwang said, "It was not just his own request but also lists of people he considered, demanding an unreasonable number of nominations."

Hwang added, "His trusted people made excessive demands to our side, not directly to me, but even providing lists with names. That is why we could not work together."

Regarding Pastor Jeon’s claim that he would secure 200 seats for Kim Ki-hyun, leader of the People Power Party, Hwang drew a clear line, saying, "It makes me laugh. It is nonsense. He has talked about 180 or 200 seats here and there. It would be great if that happened. There is no need to criticize that, but we were not influenced by it."

Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon, who was treated for COVID-19 and discharged, is holding a press conference in front of Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul on September 2, 2020. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

On Pastor Jeon’s influence within the party, Hwang said, "He thinks of himself as a typhoon, but we really see him as a gentle breeze. That is my view. If he sent many party members, that would be appreciated. But if those members vote for candidate A when Jeon tells them to vote for A, and vote for B when told to vote for B, do they really do that? Even if they say so outwardly, he is underestimating our citizens too much."

Regarding the dismissal of Hong Joon-pyo, mayor of Daegu, from the party’s standing advisory position, Hwang said, "I think we are seeking a second-best option, even if it is not the best."

However, Hwang added, "(Regarding the dismissal) I have not seen such a thing. It seems our leader Kim Ki-hyun is a bit sensitive."

On Mayor Hong’s backlash, Hwang said, "If he gets angry and speaks recklessly, how can the party be managed? We need to exercise restraint and act accordingly. If it really comes to a point where we must cut ties, then we will do so, but otherwise, it is better to be cautious with words. That is my thought."