Hong Joon-pyo: "If Politics Were Like Archery That Moves the People"

"National Emotion Over South Korea's Sweep of All Gold Medals in Archery"
"Hope Politics Could Be Like This Too"

Hong Jun-pyo, Mayor of Daegu, criticized on the 5th, saying, "The reality of Korean politics is more frustrating than the sweltering heat."

On that day, Mayor Hong said on his Facebook, "In a political arena where nothing gets done, only the news of the Paris Olympics fills this country with hope."

Hong Joon-pyo, Mayor of Daegu. [Photo by Yonhap News]

He said, "Yesterday's men's individual archery final was truly an exhilarating match," and added, "Kim Woo-jin's steel mind, unwavering even during the final shoot-off, moved us deeply."

He continued, "The sweep of gold medals in all categories by Korean archery, with everyone united as one, truly moved our people," and pointed out, "I wish politics were like this, but with unilateral forced passage, repeated veto exercises, and hateful statements even when the president goes on vacation, isn't it time to stop this cursed politics?"

Mayor Hong also said, "With the Ukraine war, Israel war, cross-strait tensions, and the North Korean nuclear crisis, extreme security threats continue, and economic security is urgent amid the US-China hegemony competition, yet every time we open our eyes, only hateful words are poured out, making it seem like the factional strife between Dongin and Seoin just before the Imjin War is being reenacted."

Furthermore, he questioned, "If everything were judged and executed based on national interest (國益), it would be fine, but since everyone forms cliques based on factional logic and causes turmoil in the country, how can we overcome this bleak situation?"