Hong Ik-pyo: "Gimpo-Seoul Annexation Plan on Track for Abandonment... A Complete Political Show"

"Issue-mongering to win votes until the general election"
"Stop impulsive politics and throwaway vote-buying politics"

Hong Ik-pyo, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, strongly criticized the ruling People Power Party's failed 'Gimpo Seoul Incorporation Plan' ahead of the general election, saying it was merely an "issue-raising tactic to win votes until the election."

At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 19th, Floor Leader Hong stated, "The resident referendum requested by Gimpo City to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety for Seoul incorporation before the general election has virtually been canceled," adding, "The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has not even decided whether to hold the referendum and insists that the 'feasibility of Seoul incorporation' must be reviewed first." He pointed out, "Considering the remaining procedures until the Cabinet meeting resolution, it is physically impossible."

Hong Ik-pyo, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 19th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

In particular, he criticized, "At the time, Kim Ki-hyun, then leader of the People Power Party, even launched a 'New City Project Special Committee' and continuously announced support for Seoul incorporation not only for Gimpo but also for Hanam, Gwangmyeong, Guri, Gwacheon, Seongnam, and Goyang," calling it "a complete political show."

He continued, "The People Power Party's 'Seoul incorporation of cities near Seoul' was a national scam created by frivolous politics," emphasizing, "They recklessly issued half-baked policies without sufficient discussion, and the damage fell squarely on the people and the citizens of the affected areas."

Floor Leader Hong said, "President Yoon Seok-yeol, the government, and the ruling party should stop irresponsible impromptu politics and vote-buying politics," adding, "I feel devastated by the disappearance of an infinite sense of responsibility toward the people and national affairs from the president, the government, and the ruling party." He added, "In this general election, not only the citizens of Gimpo but also the people will give a cold evaluation."