Hong Junpyo Leaves Party and Retires from Politics After Primary Defeat
Reflects on People Power Party from Hawaii and Voices Criticism
Shin Pyung: "He Deludes Himself Into Believing He Is a Paragon of Virtue"
Attorney Shin Pyung, who was once referred to as a mentor to former President Yoon Sukyeol, has unleashed criticism toward former Daegu Mayor Hong Junpyo and Lee Junseok, the presidential candidate of the Reform New Party. On May 18, Shin wrote on his social networking service (SNS), "There are politicians who, after enjoying decades of their prime within the party, now claim, 'I have gained nothing from that party, and I have only given,' and go on to disparage the party."
Shin further stated, "That politician, despite never properly nurturing even a single junior due to his selfish conduct, deludes himself into believing he is a paragon of virtue. I hear that in an effort to win back such a person, a special envoy is being sent all the way to Hawaii by plane." This was a pointed remark about the People Power Party's response to former Mayor Hong, who had announced his departure from the party and retirement from politics after losing in the presidential primary.
On this day, the so-called "special envoy team"?including Yoo Sangbeom, head of the unification task force; Kim Daesik, head of external cooperation; Cho Gwanghan, deputy head of external cooperation; and Lee Seongbae, spokesperson for the election committee?departed for Hawaii carrying a handwritten letter from candidate Kim Moonsoo addressed to former Mayor Hong. The previous day, the People Power Party's election committee had stated, "We have formed a special envoy team to persuade former Mayor Hong to return and request his comeback," adding, "His decision and strength are desperately needed."
Shin also argued, "There are those who, despite it being revealed that they manipulated opinion polls with the help of political brokers during their bid for party leadership, still put on a facade as if they are the cleanest person in the world. At the same time, they are quick to exaggerate and harshly criticize even the smallest faults of others." This was a direct reference to Lee Junseok, who, as former leader of the People Power Party, contributed to Yoon Sukyeol's election as president.
Former Daegu Mayor Hong Junpyo, who is departing for the United States, is meeting Lee Junseok, the presidential candidate of the Reform New Party, who came to see him off at the VIP lounge of Incheon International Airport on the 10th. Photo by Yonhap News
He continued, "I hope that the number of these unsightly 'top stars of the day' in our political scene will gradually dwindle until they are completely gone. For this to happen, the public and the media must not continue to indulge them, and must ensure that they face appropriate consequences for their misconduct, so that they come to their senses," criticizing both former Mayor Hong and candidate Lee.
On May 13, Shin also argued on SNS that former President Yoon would have the highest chance of winning if he ran in the 22nd presidential election to be held after constitutional revision. He said, "I trust in (former President Yoon's) kind heart, high character, and broad culture," adding, "I respect his irreplaceable leadership and charisma in today's Korean political scene. I dare to predict that, perhaps not this time, but in the next presidential election after constitutional revision, his chances of winning will be the highest."
Meanwhile, the People Power Party, which had been embroiled in controversy over whether former President Yoon would leave the party, appeared to resolve the issue on May 17 when he voluntarily resigned. Through SNS, Yoon stated, "Today, I am leaving the People Power Party. Leaving the party that accompanied my short political career and made me President of the Republic of Korea is, I believe, the best path I can take now to secure victory in the presidential election and to defend liberal democracy."
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