People Power Party Presidential Primary Group B Debate
"Inciting Impeachment" and "Are You Qualified as a Candidate?"... Intense Criticism of Han
Hong and Han Clash Over Unexpected Questions About Physical Appearance
The People Power Party's presidential primary candidates clashed over the 12·3 Martial Law and the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. When former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon firmly stated, "Martial law is illegal," he came under heavy criticism from the other candidates.
On April 20 at 2 p.m., the People Power Party held the first round of the Group B primary debate 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 leader Han Donghoon, and former Daegu Mayor Hong Joonpyo.
Han Donghoon emphasized, "While I oppose martial law, believing it was merely a minor mistake is, in a broad sense, defending martial law. One either believes martial law itself was legitimate, or believes that martial law was wrong and that the president who imposed it could no longer fulfill his duties. It must be one of these two positions."
In response, former Mayor Hong Joonpyo said, "(The martial law) was essentially a two-hour incident with no real damage. I opposed martial law, but I also opposed impeachment, suggesting that former President Yoon Suk Yeol should be given the opportunity to voluntarily step down."
Lawmaker Na Kyungwon argued, "I believe former leader Han Donghoon incited impeachment on charges of rebellion, which led to this situation. He was at the forefront of fanning the flames for impeachment by claiming 'the president confessed to rebellion,' and I find this very regrettable."
Governor Lee Cheolwoo also countered, "Does former leader Han Donghoon even have the right to say such things? The very fact that he is running as our party's presidential candidate is wrong. How could the president have committed rebellion?"
Attacks on Han Donghoon regarding the so-called 'traitor frame' continued as well.
Former Mayor Hong Joonpyo asked Han Donghoon, "This election is about defeating Lee Jaemyung. When you were Minister of Justice, you failed to bring Lee Jaemyung to justice, resulting in a legal defeat. As interim party leader, you led the party to a crushing defeat in the general election. What are you planning to do this time?"
Han Donghoon responded, "Even in a situation where the opposition held the majority, I managed to pass the arrest motion for Lee Jaemyung. Although we lost the general election, I was later elected party leader with 63%, and that outcome speaks for itself."
Former Mayor Hong Joonpyo pressed further, "So how do you plan to defeat Lee Jaemyung this time? How will you shake off the 'traitor frame'?"
In response, Han Donghoon said, "I blocked 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 Suk Yeol 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. Referring to a public opinion poll, she pointed out, "In our party's traditional strongholds?Busan, Ulsan, Gyeongnam, or TK (Daegu-Gyeongbuk)?I can defeat candidate Lee Jaemyung, but former leader Han Donghoon cannot."
She then suggested to Han Donghoon, "You've held many prominent positions so far. For the sake of conservative unity, why not step aside from the presidential race this time and dedicate yourself in another way?"
Han Donghoon replied, "Given the current situation, I believe I am needed in this position."
The candidates also revealed differences in their views on constitutional amendment.
Han Donghoon stated that "constitutional amendment cannot succeed without shortening the presidential term." In response, former Mayor Hong Joonpyo retorted, "It's nonsense to run for president just to serve a three-year term."
Han Donghoon countered, "If we proceed as former Mayor Hong suggests, the Democratic Party will not cooperate. We need to offer the Democratic Party the chance to hold a presidential election after three years and pursue constitutional amendment through dialogue with them."
In the latter part of the debate, former Mayor Hong Joonpyo heightened tensions by asking Han Donghoon unexpected questions about his appearance.
Hong Joonpyo said, "Before coming here today, I was told on the youth communication platform 'Youth's Dream' to ask you a few questions. You're quite tall, so why do you wear height-increasing shoes?"
Candidate Han Donghoon did not hide his displeasure, replying, "Judging by that question, I don't think the person who asked is really a young person."
Hong Joonpyo continued, "Next, there were questions like 'Is your hair naturally straight?' and 'Are you wearing shapewear?' but those are too childish, so I won't ask them."
Han Donghoon avoided giving a direct answer, simply saying, "That's childish."
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