Hong Joonpyo Targets Han Donghoon: "PPP Is Conservative, Not Far-Right... Do You Even Understand Politics?"

Han Donghoon Declares Non-participation in August Party Convention
"There Is Not a Single Far-right Member in the People Power Party"

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joonpyo targeted former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon, criticizing him by saying, "He claims to fight against a non-existent far-right illusion," and added, "He is someone who does not even understand a single political concept." On the 24th, Hong wrote on his social networking service (SNS), "The term 'far-right' refers to totalitarians. In our country right now, there are far-leftists, but there are no far-rightists," and argued, "People often wrongly label hardline conservatives and 'asphalt conservatives' as far-right, which is a mistaken frame."

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Junpyo. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

He continued, "Even in the party I belonged to, there was not a single far-right person," emphasizing that the People Power Party is a conservative party, not a far-right one. He then took aim at Han Donghoon, saying, "Someone who does not even understand such basic political concepts took on the role of emergency committee chair, ruined the general election, became party leader, led to martial law and impeachment, and ended up ruining the party, conservatism, and the country."

This was interpreted as a response to Han Donghoon's remarks when he announced his decision not to run in the upcoming People Power Party convention, saying, "Recently, there has been a growing regressive movement not only rejecting innovation but also trying to turn our party into a far-right one," and "The true spirit of conservatism, the true spirit of the People Power Party, lies not in far-right tendencies and regression, but within the Constitution and democracy." Hong Joonpyo concluded, "Instead of declaring his own withdrawal, he declared he would fight against a non-existent far-right illusion, which is a comedy of the ages," and added, "With this hot weather, all sorts of people are making a fuss."

Earlier that day, Han Donghoon announced on his SNS that he would not run in the People Power Party convention scheduled for August, stating, "Recently, there has been a growing regressive movement not only rejecting innovation but also trying to turn our party into a far-right one." Han Donghoon emphasized, "The true spirit of conservatism, the true spirit of the People Power Party, lies not in far-right tendencies and regression, but within the Constitution and democracy." He added, "Only when we uphold that spirit, reject regression, and pursue innovation can we make conservatism proud and dignified once again. Only then can we regain the trust of the people." He continued, "I will firmly fight against those forces trying to capture our party with far-right tendencies and separate it from the true spirit of conservatism. I will boldly remove obstacles that hinder innovation. I will embrace and integrate those who reflect on the past and are willing to join the path of reform."