Hong Junpyo: "Will Consider Apologizing for Yoon if I Become Presidential Candidate"

People Power Party Presidential Candidates Divided Over Yoon Sukyeol's Apology
Kim Moonsoo and Hong Junpyo Take Reserved Stance...
Han Donghoon and Ahn Cheolsoo Reaffirm Call for "Apology"

The positions of the People Power Party's presidential candidates were divided regarding the impeachment and removal of former President Yoon Sukyeol, which led to the 6·3 snap presidential election. Former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moonsoo and former Daegu Mayor Hong Junpyo took a reserved stance on issuing an apology, while former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon and lawmaker Ahn Cheolsoo reaffirmed their positions in favor of an apology.

During the People Power Party presidential candidate TV debate broadcast on MBN on the 26th, lawmaker Ahn asked whether former President Yoon should apologize for the declaration of martial law. In response, former Mayor Hong stated, "If I become the presidential candidate, I will consider it."

On the 26th, presidential primary candidates of the People Power Party are taking a commemorative photo before the debate at the 2nd primary candidate debate held at the Maeil Business Newspaper Media Center in Jung-gu, Seoul. From left to right are primary candidates Ahn Cheolsoo, Han Donghoon, Kim Moonsoo, and Hong Junpyo. Photo by Yonhap News.

Former Minister Kim remarked, "Before anything else, we need to consider the fact that, during the process in which former President Yoon declared martial law and was impeached and removed from office, there were more than 30 Democratic Party members who joined the impeachment, as well as a special prosecutor investigation and budget cuts."

Former leader Han said, "I have already apologized repeatedly on numerous occasions," adding, "As the party leader and as a politician, I have apologized to the people. I apologize once again here today."

Lawmaker Ahn, who raised the question, emphasized, "It is problematic to virtually defend the president's declaration of martial law and to neither reflect nor apologize. If our party is to win the presidential election, we must cross the river of impeachment."