Lee: "Had a Conversation with Hong a Few Days Ago, Discussed Various Topics"
"Hong Junpyo Is Not Someone Who Easily Tolerates Irregularities or Foul Play"
Regarding the Ruling Party: "Wouldn't Hong Say, 'Give Me My Money Back'?"
Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, visited Changnyeong in South Gyeongsang Province, the hometown of former Daegu Mayor Hong Junpyo. He stated, "Former Mayor Hong is an outstanding politician who has consistently maintained his position," and added, "If he looks at the People Power Party now, he must be at a loss for words."
On the 10th, Lee made these remarks at Changnyeong Market, saying, "Is this really former Mayor Hong's hometown?" He continued, "A few days ago, I had a phone call with former Mayor Hong and we talked about various things. Although he and I have different political stances and sometimes he says things that sting, which makes me feel a bit upset at times, he is not someone who easily tolerates irregularities or foul play," he praised.
Lee is currently conducting the "Yeongnam Silla Belt Alley Listening Tour," meeting with local residents in the Yeongnam region to hear their opinions. The previous day, he visited Gyeongju, Yeongcheon, Chilgok, Gimcheon, Seongju, and Goryeong in North Gyeongsang Province. On this day, he is visiting Changnyeong, Haman, Uiryeong, Jinju, Sacheon, and Hadong in South Gyeongsang Province.
Lee described former Mayor Hong using positive words such as "Isn't he adorable?" and "an interesting person." He said, "In politics, even if we have different positions, we should not hate or truly despise each other," and added, "Even if we argue and grab each other by the collar during the day, is there any reason to keep fighting into the night?"
He continued, "Since we are not in politics for personal gain, there is no need to hold grudges. We compete and sometimes clash because we believe our own arguments are right and we think differently for the sake of the national community, but since we are not enemies, there is no reason to fight emotionally." He emphasized, "Why would you hold a grudge and try to destroy someone? I have no intention of destroying anyone."
Referring to the current turmoil within the People Power Party over the unification of presidential candidates, he mocked, saying, "Wouldn't former Mayor Hong say, 'Give me my money back, give me my money back,' and isn't it understandable?" On April 29, former Mayor Hong announced his retirement from politics after being eliminated in the second round of the People Power Party's presidential primary, stating that he planned to stay in the United States.
Lee said, "Since this is his hometown, it suddenly came to mind," and added, "We need to cooperate and find a way forward together." He further explained, "Although we have different positions, there is no difference in the fact that we work for the country, the people, and for a better life."
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