Hong Ikpyo: "Park Chandae and Jung Cheongrae Should Not Compete Over 'Myungshim'" [So Jongseop's Sogteoview]

"Minimum Standards Needed for Personnel Appointments"
"Insurrection Special Prosecution May Indict Several People Power Party Lawmakers"
"Prosecution Reform Must Thoroughly Prevent Harm to People's Livelihoods"

Hong Ikpyo, a three-term former floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, appeared on Asia Economy's "AK Radio" at 4 p.m. on July 4. Currently serving as a special professor at Dongguk University, former lawmaker Hong assessed the first month of the Lee Jaemyung administration as "balanced and actively communicative," and predicted, "A significant number of People Power Party lawmakers will be subject to investigation in the special prosecution, and several may be indicted." Regarding the Democratic Party’s leadership race, he said, "I hope we stop talking about 'Myungshim' (Lee Jaemyung's intentions)." Looking ahead to next year’s local elections, he is already making steady preparations.

Hong Ikpyo, former floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is appearing on Asia Economy AK Radio for an interview. Photo by Huh Younghan

How have you been these days?

I go back and forth between my office at Dongguk University and my private office in Seocho-dong. I'm also appearing on broadcasts and writing in preparation for publishing a book.

A book? What kind of book?

My hometown is near Sogang University in Mapo. The book deals with various policies related to Seoul, or my connections with Seoul.

You have a doctorate in political science. What do you think politics is?

Politics is the authoritative resolution of social conflicts. In primitive societies, social conflicts were resolved by force. The second stage was through religion?voices of priests or shamans resolved conflicts. In modern times, it is resolved by law. Now, solving issues by law is the last resort. Politics is what resolves things before they reach the law.

You served as the standing chair of the Democratic Party's Seoul election committee during the presidential election. How do you see public sentiment in Seoul?

I realized that if Lee Jaemyung had won only in Seoul, he would have won the presidential election unconditionally. This election had a relatively favorable structure because there was a public demand for an end to insurrection, a new government surpassing the incompetence and corruption of the Yoon Sukyeol administration, and a new era. However, the results show that both sides rallied, so it was not a one-sided election.

When I was head of the Democratic Research Institute, I conducted many polls. According to Gallup Korea, Seoul's numbers were 2?3% lower than the national average; according to Realmeter, 4?5% lower. The People Power Party tends to perform relatively well in Seoul. This presidential election was no exception. Nationally, President Lee Jaemyung led by 8.27 percentage points, but in Seoul, he led by only 5.58 percentage points. In contrast, in Gyeonggi Province, he led by 14.25 percentage points.

There are several reasons, but the real estate issue seems to have had the greatest impact. Because asset prices are high in Seoul, the Democratic Party's main support base?those in certain asset classes or under 40?have moved to Gyeonggi Province in large numbers. As a result, the elderly population has increased significantly in Seoul. Compared to the past, Seoul has become relatively more conservative. If there is no structural transformation, the situation for the Democratic Party in Seoul is likely to continue to deteriorate. It is time to come up with fundamental measures.

It has been a month since the Lee Jaemyung administration was launched.

The administration is relatively balanced and stable. Secondly, they are at least working hard. Third, they communicate well. Recently, President Lee has been visiting regions, holding town hall meetings, meeting with leaders of negotiating and non-negotiating groups, and holding press conferences. These efforts seem to be contributing to the rise in approval ratings.

How do you evaluate President Lee Jaemyung's personnel appointments?

He seems to prioritize ability and expertise above all else, and tends to appoint people he has verified in some way. The first criterion seems to be whether the person has the capability and expertise to fulfill the role. There are naturally no exclusive criteria. If there is one, it is whether the person participated in the insurrection.

Regarding personnel matters, if I may add one thing, I think he pays considerable attention to public expectations. That is the moral standard. This is also a significant concern for the president. If you prioritize moral standards, the pool of available candidates becomes smaller. Conversely, if you prioritize finding people to fill positions, some may not fully meet public expectations. Now, as confirmation hearings begin in earnest, public opinion will be closely watched throughout the process.

Former lawmaker Hong said that at least minimum standards are necessary regarding personnel matters. Photo by Younghan Heo

Isn't there a need for at least minimum standards?

Yes, there is. In fact, I established the standards during the Moon Jaein administration. The National Planning Committee initially had five criteria, which I expanded to seven. There are some details to consider. First, whether the person has a public mindset. There are people who do their jobs well but pursue private interests. Such people should not work in government organizations. The second is whether the misconduct is repeated. Are similar illegal or immoral acts being committed continuously? The third is the scale and extent of the damage. It is important to consider the circumstances of the victims and how many people suffered disadvantages or harm as a result. I hope confirmation committee members consider these three points together.

Will the framework for prosecution reform be outlined before Chuseok?

The framework refers to the party's position being finalized. Since much of the discussion has already taken place, only minor adjustments are needed. Within September, the party's position will likely be finalized and the controversy in the standing committee will be resolved.

The main concern is the impact on the public. When passing laws, the effective date is usually set in the supplementary provisions?sometimes as short as three months, sometimes as long as two years?to allow for preparation. If the prosecution is divided into the Public Prosecution Office and the Serious Crimes Investigation Office, personnel changes, securing office space, and budget issues all need to be addressed. If this is done suddenly, all ongoing investigations by the prosecution will come to a halt.

To prevent harm to people's livelihoods, ongoing or future investigations must not be delayed or compromised. Thorough measures are needed for this. If people say investigations have become lax because the prosecution has been abolished, the momentum for reform will be lost. We need to prepare meticulously and take supplementary measures. We must be extremely thorough. There may also be unforeseen side effects. Every system has its light and shadow. When something is wrong, it must be acknowledged and corrected boldly.

How unified is the Democratic Party on prosecution reform?

About 90% agree. Therefore, finalizing the Democratic Party’s proposal will likely be completed by the end of August, not just before Chuseok. Then, the bill could be passed in November.

What are your thoughts on pardoning former Minister Cho Kuk?

The issue of pardon and reinstatement needs to be considered carefully. The August 15 pardon and reinstatement will be the president’s first, so I think it should be left to the president to decide. One thing I would like to ask the Cho Kuk Innovation Party is that the more they talk about this issue and about pardoning former leader Cho Kuk, the more difficult it becomes. If they wait patiently, the president might grant it as early as the end of the year or possibly on next year’s March 1st Independence Movement Day.

The special prosecution investigation is gaining momentum.

Of the three special prosecutions, the one attracting the most public attention is the special prosecution on the insurrection. In terms of importance, the insurrection special prosecution is the most significant because it concerns state institutions and major issues related to the democratic constitutional order. A significant number of People Power Party lawmakers will either be subject to investigation or, in some cases, indicted.

Former lawmaker Hong predicted that a significant number of People Power Party lawmakers will be subject to investigation in relation to the special prosecution on the insurrection, and that several may be indicted. Photo by Heo Younghan

Why do you think so?

First, it is about prior knowledge. Didn't former President Yoon Sukyeol talk about this a year ago? If so, there must have been gatherings, and the question is whether there were sitting lawmakers who discussed and consulted on this. Second, there are suspicious aspects about what happened on the day in question. For example, former floor leader Chu Kyungho was at the National Assembly main building himself, but sent other lawmakers to the party headquarters, effectively preventing them from voting. We need to investigate whether he received such a request for cooperation from the president, and whether he cooperated to prevent the National Assembly from voting to lift martial law. There are many issues to examine.

Recently, documents have surfaced again. In the process of trying to manage the aftermath?deliberately downplaying, concealing, or managing the incident?those who knowingly cooperated, including then-Prime Minister Han Ducksoo and other ministers or politicians, will all be subject to investigation. The investigation will likely be very broad. It is unclear how many will be indicted, but it will not simply be swept under the rug. Given special prosecutor Cho Eonseok's investigative style and approach so far, he does not seem like someone who would let things slide. The insurrection special prosecution will capture the attention of the public from July through the end of this year.

Within the Democratic Party, lawmakers Park Chandae and Jung Cheongrae are fiercely competing for party leadership.

It's a bit awkward since the two are close friends. Not only for the two of them, but I would like to ask all our supporters for a few things. First, I hope there will be no negative campaigning. If you gain one thing but lose another, you gain nothing. Second, I hope we stop talking about 'Myungshim' (Lee Jaemyung's intentions). It doesn't fit the situation and creates legal issues.

Since we are not electing Lee Jaemyung again, there should be no competition over 'Myungshim.' One of the reasons we accused President Yoon Sukyeol over the Myeong Taegyun Gate was interference in party affairs. President Lee Jaemyung is not involved in this matter at all. I have confirmed this myself....

There are candidates you should not vote for in elections. First, those who talk about being someone's son or daughter. Do not vote for people who claim to be the son or daughter of a particular region, such as Honam. Second, do not vote for candidates who use other people's photos larger than their own. People who lack qualifications or content often try to ride on others' coattails. I hope voters and party members choose candidates based on their own content, vision, and ability. In all the elections I have participated in, I have never engaged in negative campaigning against my opponents. While I have criticized the opposing party, I have never criticized the opposing candidate.

How do you view the People Power Party? What do you think when you look at the party these days?

Frankly, there seems to be no answer. Recently, I have met many conservatives who are even more frustrated. They have always voted for the People Power Party and plan to continue, but say they can't support the party if things continue this way. Among those who have benefited from their association with former President Yoon Sukyeol, not one person has shown any dedication. No one is stepping forward to retire or to declare they will not run in the next general election.

All I see are people trying to maintain their party leadership by picking partners. Even when Song Eonseok became floor leader, the formula of support from the Yeongnam and pro-Yoon leadership factions did not change. For long-term innovation in structure and systems, short-term innovation must accompany it. In short, short-term innovation means personnel renewal. Those responsible should be expelled from the party, retire from politics, or be made to serve in lower positions. Such actions must come first to hold people accountable and take appropriate measures. Talking about long-term innovation without short-term innovation is not credible to anyone.

※Click the video to watch the full interview.

What are your plans for the future?

I am thinking of taking on another challenge. I am preparing for next year’s local elections by listening to the opinions of many people.

What preparations are you making?

While preparing to publish my book, I am refining my vision and policies. If preparations go well, I think there will be a time to present them publicly for evaluation. It will likely be around late October to early November. I need to watch the political situation.