Lived 50 Years Like Yang Gwansik and Oh Aesoon from "Poksak Soksassuda"... Hong Joonpyo Advocates "Familism over Feminism"

"Not Becoming President Doesn't Mean My Life Is a Failure"
"My Mission Is to Pass On a New Nation to Future Generations"

Hong Joonpyo, the People Power Party's presidential primary candidate, compared his life to Yang Gwansik, the male lead of the popular Netflix drama "Poksak Soksassuda." Yang Gwansik is a character who devoted his entire life to his wife and children.

Hong Joonpyo, the People Power Party's presidential primary candidate, compared his life to Yang Gwansik, the male lead of the popular Netflix drama "Poksak Soksassuda." Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

On April 26, Hong wrote on his Facebook, "It has been over 50 years since I first met my wife on October 30, 1976. We have lived happily together for 50 years, always with the excitement of our first meeting," adding, "Just like the couple Yang Gwansik and Oh Aesoon in 'Poksak Soksassuda,' we have spent 50 years together."

He continued, "My wife sometimes jokes that if she hadn't met me, I would probably be living as a homeless person in the underpass at Seoul Station," and added, "That is also why I advocate for familism rather than feminism." On April 18, Hong had also expressed his opposition to the enactment of the anti-discrimination law, stating, "In response to the 'PC (political correctness) ideology' that pushes for extreme feminism, I will promote familism, which believes a healthy family is the answer."

He further emphasized, "Even if I don't become president, my life is not a failed one," and added, "However, I do want to fulfill the final mission given to me?to completely transform my country into a new nation and pass it on to future generations."

The previous day, at the second primary debate held at the Channel A studio in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Hong chose a photo of himself and his wife Lee Soonsam, taken affectionately, as his "life photo." After saying, "I am always grateful to my wife," he appealed to party members for support, saying, "This is my third attempt. Since this is my last, I ask for your support."