Hong Jun-pyo on Han Dong-hoon's Candidacy Rumors: "A Party Relying on Someone Who Botched the General Election, Is There a Future?"

"Supporting Yoon is to prevent a recurrence of the 2017 incident"
"Let's behave like politicians"

Hong Jun-pyo, the mayor of Daegu, expressed critical opinions on the 16th regarding rumors of Han Dong-hoon, former emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, running for the party leadership election. Mayor Hong pointed out on his Facebook that "Is there any future for a party that expects someone who has once again ruined the general election without any senior members willing to take on the party leader position?"

Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo is delivering a congratulatory speech at the Buddha's Birthday Celebration Ceremony held on the 15th at Donghwasa Temple in Dohak-dong, Dong-gu, Daegu.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

He wrote, "I defend President Yoon (Yoon Seok-yeol) not because I like his policies, but to prevent a recurrence of the 2017 incident (the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye)," adding, "Please be ashamed and fulfill your role." He continued, "In elections, if you win, it's because you are capable; if you lose, it's because you are not," and criticized, "It's pitiful to lose an election and then appear in the media blaming President Yoon and babbling."

Mayor Hong also said, "In the 2004 17th general election during the impeachment of Roh Moo-hyun, I was the only one elected on my own strength in 17 constituencies in northeastern Seoul," and urged, "Even if for just one day, let's behave like members of the National Assembly and politicians."

Former Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, Han Dong-hoon. [Image source=Yonhap News]

He further mentioned the 2017 impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye and the Moon Jae-in administration's investigation into state affairs corruption, pointing out, "Is there any law that says such an incident won't happen again?" He added, "Signs of cracks are already showing, aren't they?" and questioned, "How do you plan to handle the chaotic National Assembly in June with such cowardly thoughts of blaming President Yoon just to save yourself?"

Meanwhile, former committee chairman Han has minimized official external activities since the general election. However, as news of his meetings with political figures such as former Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong has continued, his candidacy is being discussed inside and outside the party. Additionally, Han was recently spotted reading a book at a library near his residence in Gangnam-gu, drawing attention in communities and elsewhere.