People Power Party Second Primary One-on-One Debate
Hong: "Death Penalty to Be Carried Out Within Six Months"
Han: "Seriously Considered During My Tenure as Minister"
On April 25, Hong Joonpyo, former mayor of Daegu and a presidential primary candidate for the People Power Party, and Han Donghoon, former party leader, reached a consensus on the reinstatement of the death penalty, the introduction of a running mate system for metropolitan mayors and local education superintendents, and the issue of relocating the presidential office.
During a one-on-one debate with Han Donghoon held at the Channel A studio in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on this day, former Mayor Hong stated, "If I become president, I will ensure that the death penalty is carried out without fail within six months."
Former Mayor Hong, who has consistently expressed support for the death penalty, questioned, "The right to life of heinous criminals is considered important, but how are the rights of the victims compensated?" He added, "Do the United States and Japan not enforce the death penalty?" He further pointed out, "Yoo Youngchul and Kang Hosoon are murderers who killed more than twenty people, and the fact that they are still alive does not align with the public’s sense of justice."
Former Mayor Hong also highly praised the renovation of death penalty facilities that Han Donghoon promoted during his tenure as Minister of Justice.
Han Donghoon, who had frequently clashed with Hong Joonpyo over issues such as martial law and presidential impeachment, admitted, "The death penalty clearly has a deterrent effect," and revealed that he had seriously considered enforcing the death penalty while serving as Minister of Justice.
Han Donghoon said, "During my time as Minister of Justice, I renovated the (death penalty) facilities, and even that alone eliminated all strange behaviors inside the prison." However, he also expressed caution, saying, "Reinstating the death penalty is an issue that requires a major decision."
They shared the same opinion on the running mate system for metropolitan mayors and education superintendents, as well as the relocation of the presidential office. Former Mayor Hong remarked, "When you look at the superintendent elections, they are essentially blind elections. Wouldn't it be better to introduce a running mate system for metropolitan mayors and education superintendents?" To this, Han Donghoon responded, "I believe it is necessary."
They also agreed on the issue of relocating the presidential office, which has recently become a major topic in political circles.
Former Mayor Hong asked Han Donghoon, "If you become president, will you go to Yongsan or to Cheong Wa Dae?" Han Donghoon replied, "For now, on June 4, I have no choice but to go to Yongsan," but added, "There are many people who are negative about the new administration working in Yongsan."
He continued, "It's not something that can be decided immediately," but added, "Personally, I think we should return to Cheong Wa Dae."
Former Mayor Hong also agreed, saying, "Returning to Cheong Wa Dae is the right thing to do. After working in Yongsan for about a month, it would be best to do a simple remodeling and return to Cheong Wa Dae," expressing his support for Han Donghoon's remarks.
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