Hong Joonpyo: "People Power Party Is a Group That Should Be Burned Down"...Preemptively Responds to Presidential Election Defeat Criticism

"People Who Only Blame Others... Silence Means Taking the Fall"
Sharp Messages Continue from Hawaii

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joonpyo strongly criticized the People Power Party, stating that it is a group that "should be burned down and eliminated." He proactively expressed his position before responsibility for the conservative camp's presidential election defeat could be directed at him.

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joonpyo proactively expressed his position before the responsibility for the conservative camp's presidential election defeat was directed at him. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

On June 7, Hong responded strongly to advice from a supporter posted on his online communication platform, "Dream of Youth." The supporter said, "The public is paying attention to your remarks," and advised, "Even if it comes at a cost, you should show an inclusive attitude, and criticism of the party could ultimately become an obstacle for you." The supporter added, "If you control your emotions and help unconditionally, you will eventually gain supporters."

In response, Hong said, "If I don't say everything I need to say now, they will once again try to pin the blame for the presidential election defeat on me." He continued, "They are people who are so used to blaming others without reflecting on their own actions. If I don't speak up now, they will shift the blame onto me again, so I have no choice but to say it. I am making my position clear now so they cannot twist the facts later."

Hong is currently staying in Hawaii, and added that he plans to tour the Big Island area before returning to Korea around the middle of this month.

Previously, Hong departed for Kona, Hawaii on May 10. After withdrawing from the People Power Party following his defeat in the party's presidential primary, and after the party lost the June 3 presidential election, he issued a strong condemnation, calling the party "a pseudo-lemming group falsely claiming to be conservative, with no ideology," and "nothing more than an interest group pursuing only their own gain." He further stated, "Don't blame me, and don't blame Lee Junseok, who is at least the last remaining spark for the conservative revival. All of this is your own doing."