Presenting a Vision for National Unity
"A Grand Coalition with Forces Opposed to Lee Jaemyung"
Hong Junpyo, former mayor of Daegu and a preliminary presidential candidate for the People Power Party, on April 23 criticized former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon, stating, "If he wants to shed the traitor label, he must apologize to former President Yoon Sukyeol, even now."
On this day, at his campaign office in Yeouido, Seoul, Hong asked, "Has there ever been a politician in Korea who succeeded while carrying the traitor frame?" and made these remarks.
On April 20, 2025, at the ASSA Art Hall in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, Hong Junpyo, candidate of Group B, is speaking during the first round group debate of the People Power Party's 21st presidential primary. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers.
He said, "The causes of the emergency martial law are, first, the wrong political choices made by former President Yoon, and second, the parliamentary violence committed by the Democratic Party." He continued, "The ruling party leader should have worked with the president to correct these issues, but instead, he nitpicked at every turn. This was a case of political self-destruction."
He went on to say, "Former leader Han was someone whom former President Yoon nurtured for 20 years," and added, "How do you think the public will view this? As a betrayal." He further criticized, "Is it right for a person to attack the dead, saying he will stab the corpse?" and stated, "Even if President Yoon is expelled or removed from the party, that does not eliminate the possibility of martial law or impeachment."
Meanwhile, on this day, Hong presented his vision for "National Unity," which is the final "+1" of his "100+1 Major National Reforms for an Advanced Nation" pledges.
Hong declared, "I will achieve true national unity through a grand coalition that goes beyond a one-team approach or a big tent," and added, "By forming political alliances with all forces opposed to Lee Jaemyung, I will realize a grand coalition and foster it into a unified political force that will lead the nation to become an advanced country."
He identified political restoration as a key task for national unity. As a specific measure, he proposed the introduction of a Minister for Political Affairs. Hong explained, "Rather than having a senior presidential secretary for political affairs, I will appoint a sitting lawmaker as Minister for Political Affairs to facilitate communication with the opposition parties."
Additionally, he announced that immediately after the launch of the administration, five task forces would be formed: an Advanced Nation Constitutional Reform Task Force, a National Pension Reform Task Force, a Medical Reform Task Force, a Fair Election Reform Task Force, and a U.S. Trade Negotiations Task Force. He stated that the Blue House would serve as the control tower and immediately begin addressing these pressing issues.
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