While Staying in Hawaii, "Thinking About What I Should Do for the Country"
"I Feel Responsible for Both the Yoon Seokyoul and Lee Jaemyung Administrations"
Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joonpyo predicted that with the launch of various special investigations, including the insurrection special investigation, there is a high possibility that key figures in the Yoon Seokyoul administration will be punished.
On June 15, Hong posted on his Facebook, "While staying on the Big Island of Hawaii in the United States for a month, I atoned for two sins I committed against the people and thought about what I should do for my country with the rest of my life."
Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joonpyo, who retired from politics and departed for Hawaii, posted a message saying, "I feel responsible for both the Yoon Seokyoul and Lee Jaemyung administrations." Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group
He asserted that he is responsible for the birth of both the Yoon Seokyoul administration and the Lee Jaemyung opposition administration. He said, "Three years ago, I was subjected to a fraudulent primary, which led to the birth of the Yoon Seokyoul administration and caused chaos in the country," and "In the 21st presidential candidate primary, I was again subjected to a fraudulent primary, which resulted in the birth of the Lee Jaemyung administration."
He also mentioned that a large number of figures from the Yoon Seokyoul administration could become targets of investigation. He stated, "I am concerned about how many people will suffer from the harsh purges of the Lee Jaemyung administration," and expressed worries about "large-scale arrests and indictments following the launch of the insurrection special investigation, the Kim Gunhee special investigation, and the Chae Sangbyeong special investigation." He added, "Of course, those who have committed crimes should pay for their sins, but I hope there will be no innocent victims."
He also commented on the calls for the dissolution of the People Power Party. When a supporter on the communication platform 'Dream of Youth' cited former lawmaker Park Chanzong's remarks and asked about the need to dissolve the People Power Party and integrate the broader opposition, Hong responded, "That is generally correct," expressing agreement. He said, "Those who collaborated with the Yoon Seokyoul administration should be expelled, and we must make a fresh start."
Hong, who left for Hawaii, United States, on May 10, is expected to return to Korea soon. After declaring his retirement from politics immediately following his defeat in the presidential primary, he has repeatedly hinted at a political comeback. In particular, he has frequently mentioned the possibility of founding a new party.
Recently, a supporter commented, "(If Hong Joonpyo returns to politics) I hope it will be a new party centered on Hongka (Hong Joonpyo). None of the existing parties can accommodate Hongka. After the self-destruction of Gukjim (a derogatory term for the People Power Party), I want to meet as a member of a new party composed mainly of Hongka supporters, waiting for the right timing." Hong drew attention by replying, "I understand."
On June 8, he also stated, "The pseudo-conservative party, which is one pillar of the two-party system, must now be liquidated. The current so-called conservative party is a corrupt group of lemmings beyond repair. The Lee Jaemyung era will be a dark time of retaliation and self-righteousness. A new force that prioritizes the national interest must unite to confront the self-righteous regime of the Democratic Party of Korea and build the future. Young people from both conservative and progressive backgrounds must unite to prepare for a new era. I am deeply frustrated that there is nothing I can do right now," once again indicating his intention to pursue a new party.
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