Hong Junpyo's Shoe, Hair, and Shapewear Jabs... Pro-Han Faction Laments "Barroom Jokes in the Primary"

Hong Junpyo Asks Han Donghoon About Height-Increasing Shoes at Debate
"Is Your Hair Naturally Straight? Are You Wearing Shapewear?"... "Childish"
Pro-Han Faction's Kim Geunsik: "Jokes Fit for After-Hours Drinking Talk"

At the Group B debate for the People Power Party presidential primary held on the 20th, candidate Hong Junpyo referenced questions submitted through his youth communication platform, 'Dream of Youth,' asking candidate Han Donghoon, "You're already tall, so why do you wear height-increasing shoes?" and "Is your hair naturally straight, and are you wearing shapewear?" In response, a key figure from the pro-Han (pro-Han Donghoon) faction criticized Hong. Kim Geunsik, head of political coordination for Han's campaign, commented on his social networking service (SNS) that day, saying, "The quality of our People Power Party primary has dropped too low. I feel ashamed and angry."

On the 20th, at the ASSA Art Hall in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, Hong Junpyo, candidate of Group B in the first round of the 21st presidential primary debate of the People Power Party, is adjusting his glasses. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

Kim continued, "A leading candidate, who has even served as party leader and presidential candidate, is wasting his time with such B-list questions," adding, "Despite being a political senior, he is making jokes that belong in after-hours drinking conversations, not in our party’s primary debate, and he does so without hesitation." He further criticized, "When it came to questions about martial law, which is what the public actually cares about, he dodged by saying, 'I can't answer because I'm the mayor of Daegu.' It is truly pathetic and embarrassing."

He added, "If this primary is being held because the president was removed from office, then there should be serious reflection, apologies, and intense debate about the party's innovation and future. Instead, the debate was organized like a school talent show or variety program, which shows our party is oblivious to the seriousness of the situation and the gravity of public sentiment." He continued, "Even a major candidate ended up forced to give a wry smile at these absurd questions, and Hong showed a condescending image by casually speaking informally to the young MC."

Earlier, during the Group B debate, Hong addressed Han, saying, "As a political senior, please don't take offense at any question and answer comfortably. Before coming here, I was told on 'Dream of Youth' to make sure to ask a few questions. Since you are tall, why do you wear height-increasing shoes?" Han responded, "I don't think the person who asked that question is actually a young person, judging by the nature of the question." Hong then said, "The next question is whether your hair is naturally straight or if you're wearing shapewear, but that's too childish, so I won't ask." Han replied, "It is childish."

On the 20th, candidate Han Donghoon from Group B is speaking at the first group debate of the 21st presidential candidate primary of the People Power Party held at ASSA Art Hall in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

In response to Kim's criticism, Hong countered on SNS, "If you want to continue in politics, you should avoid image politics, but since you don't understand the point of my question and keep talking about 'B-list questions,' it seems that only B-list people have gathered in that camp." He also targeted Han, saying, "Being obsessed with appearance and only taking selfies is nothing more than narcissism. True insight, wisdom, and discernment come from inner substance, not outward appearance."

Hong further stated, "If I had been party leader at the time of martial law, I would have communicated and cooperated with the presidential office, and the martial law crisis would never have happened in the first place. There would have been no crushing defeat in the general election, and no impeachment either. In today's debate, I only said I was the mayor of Daegu at the time to avoid embarrassing anyone, but if I get another chance to debate, I hope Han will ask and answer questions more thoughtfully."

Attorney Kim Gyeri posted a photo taken with former President Yoon Sukyeol, referring to him as 'Yoonbeoji' on Facebook.

Meanwhile, Kim said, "We are witnessing an outrageous and shameless situation where a president who was removed from office, without any sense of shame, talks about creating a 'Yoon Sukyeol Party,' dines with far-right lawyers who justify martial law and are convinced of election fraud, and they even chant 'Yoonbeoji' (Yoon Sukyeol father)." He emphasized, "This cannot go on. This is why moderates and swing voters have no interest in our party's primary. Please, let's get our party out of Yoon Sukyeol's trap. Let's break away from the self-destructive public sentiment of the hardline right who still justify martial law and support Yoon."

Earlier that day, attorney Kim Gyeri, who was part of former President Yoon Sukyeol’s impeachment defense team, posted a photo on SNS of a meal with former President Yoon and attorney Bae Euicheol, writing, "My first president, chosen by my own hand. Yoonbeoji. Be calm and strong." The two attorneys were recently reported to have temporarily suspended their efforts to launch the 'Yoon Again' new party.