Han Donghoon Questions Hawaii Delegation's Motives: Kim Daesik Says Remarks Went Too Far

Kim Daesik: "All expenses paid personally, not a single party fund used"
"Delegation sent solely for grand conservative unification"
Han: "Four pro-Yoon members flew to Hawaii for a vacation"

People Power Party's former leader Han Donghoon and former Daegu Mayor Hong Junpyo are embracing at the 2nd primary debate media day held at the People Power Party Central Office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 23rd of last month. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

Kim Daesik, a member of the People Power Party, pushed back against former party leader Han Donghoon after Han escalated his criticism of the Hawaii delegation sent to persuade former Daegu Mayor Hong Junpyo, who had gone to Hawaii, calling their trip a "vacation" and making other strong remarks.

On the 22nd, Kim Daesik wrote on his Facebook page, "Today I heard the remarks made by former leader Han Donghoon. Because he was once our party's leader, I feel all the more burdened," adding, "His comments this time went too far."

He continued, "There was only one reason why four of us?myself, Representative Yoo Sangbeom, former Namyangju Mayor Cho Gwanghan, and spokesperson Lee Seongbae?paid our own way to travel to Hawaii. It was to prevent division within the People Power Party and to open the door to a grand conservative unification," and added, "Although former Daegu Mayor Hong Junpyo is currently away from the party, he has loved the People Power Party more than anyone, and as someone who has served as both presidential candidate and party leader, he is a respected elder of our camp and party."

Kim stated, "Not a single one of us went for leisure, and all expenses were covered out of our own pockets," emphasizing, "We did not spend a single penny of party funds; we went solely out of a desire to save the party and to try to win back the heart of former Mayor Hong Junpyo."

He concluded, "The values of conservatism are dignity, restraint, responsibility, and unity. There may be temporary conflicts, but how we resolve them is what matters," adding, "Our actions were for the sake of grand conservative unification, and I ask that you exercise restraint in your remarks."

Meanwhile, earlier that morning, former leader Han Donghoon had made a series of pointed remarks during a campaign event at Yukgeori Market in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, saying, "Right now, the pro-Yoon faction is sending four people on a plane to Hawaii to meet Hong Junpyo for a vacation, and no one even knows where Han Ducksoo, whom they once promoted so much, is."