Supporter Asks, "What Do You Think of Kim Minseok?"
Hong Responds Favorably... Calls Han Donghoon's Supporters "Trash Group"
Former Daegu Mayor Hong Junpyo, who recently returned from Hawaii, USA, praised Prime Minister nominee Kim Minseok, saying, "He was once a highly promising figure, and he has endured many hardships over the years."
On June 18, when a supporter asked, "What do you think of Kim Minseok?" on his supporter communication platform "Youth's Dream," Hong responded with these remarks.
Former Daegu Mayor Hong Junpyo is being interviewed by reporters after returning to Incheon International Airport on the 17th. After losing the People Power Party presidential primary in April, Hong left the party and stayed in Hawaii, USA. Photo by Yonhap News
Hong also mentioned Kim's career, noting that after being regarded as a next-generation leader in the progressive camp, Kim went through 18 difficult years from falling out with former President Roh Moo-hyun in 2002 until being elected to the 21st National Assembly in 2020. Hong and Kim were both elected to the National Assembly in the 15th general election in 1996, and their terms overlapped in both the 16th and 21st National Assemblies.
In contrast, Hong maintained a critical stance toward the camp of Han Donghoon, the former People Power Party leader who competed against him in the party’s presidential primary. When other supporters left comments such as, "Supporters of former leader Han mainly post malicious comments against you," "Whether it’s politics or not, I think this is a crime," and "How about filing a lawsuit against Han’s fan cafe?" Hong replied, "It seems they mistake me for a rival," and added, "They are nothing but a trash group." He further stated, "Such riffraff are not worth responding to. When the time comes, they will be punished by heaven," drawing a clear line.
Meanwhile, after losing the People Power Party presidential primary, Hong left the party and suddenly departed for Hawaii, USA. He returned through Incheon Airport on the afternoon of the previous day, 38 days after leaving the country, and stated, "A new government has been launched, and I hope the new administration will refrain from political retaliation and instead pursue national unity for the stability of the country." When asked about his future plans, such as "Did you think about what you could do for the country while staying in Hawaii?" and "Is there a possibility you will form a new party?" he responded, "I will speak about that in due time," declining to elaborate further.
Regarding the possibility of the People Power Party being dissolved as an unconstitutional party, Hong explained, "That was something I said during the presidential primary?that if the party lost the presidential election, there would be a petition to dissolve the party as unconstitutional." As for the reform proposal by Kim Yongtae, the People Power Party's Emergency Committee Chairman, Hong said, "I have already left the party, so I have nothing to do with it," and added, "I have nothing to say."
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