People Power Party Presidential Primary Group B Debate
On April 20, candidates in the People Power Party's presidential primary unleashed a barrage of criticism targeting former party leader Han Donghoon during a debate.
The People Power Party held the first primary debate for Group B at 2 p.m. that day at the ASSA Art Hall in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. The Group B debate was attended by lawmaker Na Kyungwon, North Gyeongsang Province Governor Lee Cheolwoo, former party leader Han Donghoon, and former Daegu Mayor Hong Joonpyo.
Former Mayor Hong Joonpyo pressed Han Donghoon, saying, "This election is about defeating Lee Jaemyung. When you were Minister of Justice, you failed to put Lee Jaemyung behind bars, resulting in a judicial defeat. As interim party leader, you led the party to a crushing defeat in the general elections. What are you planning to do this time?"
Han Donghoon responded, "Despite the opposition holding a majority in the National Assembly, I managed to pass the motion to arrest Lee Jaemyung. Although we lost the general election, I was elected party leader with 63 percent of the vote, which speaks to my evaluation."
Hong Joonpyo pressed further, asking, "How do you plan to defeat Lee Jaemyung this time? How will you overcome the 'betrayer' label?"
Han Donghoon replied, "I blocked the imposition of martial law to avoid betraying the people. I can speak openly about martial law, and I believe the person who can overcome both former President Yoon Sukyeol and candidate Lee Jaemyung will win this election. I believe that person is me."
Lawmaker Na Kyungwon also joined in the criticism of Han Donghoon. Citing a public opinion poll, Na Kyungwon pointed out, "In Busan, Ulsan, Gyeongnam, or TK (Daegu and North Gyeongsang), which are our party's traditional strongholds, I can beat Lee Jaemyung, but Han Donghoon cannot."
She then suggested to Han Donghoon, "You have held many good positions so far. For the sake of conservative unity, why not step aside from the presidential race this time and dedicate yourself to the cause?"
In response, Han Donghoon said, "I believe I am in a position where I am truly needed right now."
Na Kyungwon countered, "You said you would not dedicate or sacrifice yourself, but I actually think that if you made that sacrifice this time, it would become a tremendous political asset for you. That's why I brought it up."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
