"Even as Party Leader, a Straw Man"... Hong Jun-pyo Strikes Hard at Han Dong-hoon Consecutively

"No Nomination Rights, No Control in the Assembly," Claim
"If You Shake Already, Will the Regime Remain Intact?" Retort Also

Hong Jun-pyo, the mayor of Daegu, who officially declared his candidacy for the People Power Party leadership election, directly criticized former Emergency Committee member Han Dong-hoon, saying, "An amateur candidate is already shaking the current administration." On the 24th, Mayor Hong stated on Facebook, "Differentiation from the current administration should start a year before the presidential election," adding, "The administration is already shaken by the crushing defeat in the general election, and if even the party shakes the administration, can this administration remain intact? Are there any ruling party lawmakers who would join the proposal for a special prosecutor led by Chae Sang-byeong?"

Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo directly criticized former Emergency Response Committee Chairman Han Dong-hoon, who officially declared his candidacy for the People Power Party leadership election, saying, "An amateur candidate is already shaking the current administration."
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Mayor Hong continued, "That (the proposal for the Chae Sang-byeong special prosecutor law) is the responsibility of the floor leader," and criticized, "Even if an out-of-parliament member becomes party leader, they have no control over the parliamentary floor. I say this from experience." He added, "Lawmakers already have guaranteed four-year terms, and (former committee member Han) will not even become the leader, but even if he does, there will be no upcoming elections or nomination rights. That’s why he becomes a mere figurehead."

Earlier, former committee member Han declared his candidacy for the leadership election at the National Assembly Communication Hall in Yeouido, Seoul, and when asked by reporters about the 'Chae Sang-byeong special prosecutor law,' he stated that if he becomes party leader, he will push for a special prosecutor led by the ruling party. Han said, "At this point, I believe the People Power Party cannot oppose a special prosecutor. The People Power Party must take the lead in promoting a special prosecutor for truth-finding," emphasizing, "I think that is the true way to save the Yoon Seok-yeol government and the People Power Party. Because we cannot go against public sentiment."

Former Emergency Committee Member Han Dong-hoon of the People Power Party is leaving the Communication Center after declaring his candidacy for party leader at the National Assembly on the 23rd, receiving support from his supporters.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Regarding the special prosecutor law proposed by the Democratic Party, Han said, "It’s a game where the player (opposition party) chooses the referee (special prosecutor), so truth-finding cannot be achieved," and added, "Neither the Democratic Party, nor the People Power Party, nor the president can guarantee a fair decision, so a third party like the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court should select the special prosecutor." Furthermore, contrary to the existing stance of the People Power Party, he said, "I will not make the conclusion of the Corruption Investigation Office investigation a condition for proposing the special prosecutor law," and emphasized, "If I become party leader, I will propose a special prosecutor law within the People Power Party that can truly uncover the truth."

Additionally, Han said, "In a country like ours with conscription and the division between North and South Korea, young people, whether they like it or not, serve in the military and serve all citizens," and added, "One of the core aspects of national security is the treatment and safety assurance of those who serve and dedicate themselves to the country." Regarding the special prosecutor law related to suspicions about First Lady Kim Geon-hee, which the Democratic Party is pushing, Han drew a line, saying, "The issue related to Deutsche Motors is already at the stage where the appellate court ruling is imminent, and most of the facts regarding the handbag (luxury bag) issue have come out, with only legal judgment remaining, so it is not the right time to introduce a special prosecutor."