Hong Joonpyo Says "I Didn't Know That Was Your Character"... Bae Hyunjin Responds "A Pig Sees Only Pigs" in Heated Exchange

Conflict Intensifies Over Han Donghoon
War of Words Erupts on Social Media

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joonpyo and People Power Party lawmaker Bae Hyunjin are deepening their conflict with former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon at the center.

Former Liberty Korea Party leader Hong Joonpyo is filming the YouTube solo broadcast "TV Hongkacola" at the "Freedom Korea Show Inaugural Ceremony & Talk Show" held at the Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 26th. On the right is Bae Hyunjin, spokesperson for the Emergency Committee of the Liberty Korea Party. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

On January 9, Hong posted on social media, emphasizing, "If the People Power Party does not firmly hold Yoon Sukyeol and Han Donghoon accountable for ruining the party, it has no future." After losing the nomination race for the 20th and 21st presidential elections, Hong has consistently argued that the so-called political prosecutors and prosecutor-mercenary group led by former President Yoon Sukyeol and former leader Han are to blame, and has called for their removal from the party.

In response to Hong's claims, Bae, who is known to be close to Han, said, "Former Mayor Hong Joonpyo, who left the party, continues to curse the People Power Party, which enabled him to serve eight terms as a lawmaker and local government head, as if he bears no responsibility and keeps blaming others. It's pitiful," she added.

On January 10, Hong replied, "I misjudged people," and added, "I didn't know that was your character." This has been interpreted as Hong criticizing himself for recruiting Bae into politics in early 2018 when he was leader of the Liberty Korea Party. Hong continued, "With an inferiority complex about her academic background, she keeps searching for new lines to stand in-it's already her fifth time. Where will it end?" He added, "You shouldn't treat me like that while hiding behind a human mask."

However, Bae countered by quoting the Buddhist saying, "A pig sees only pigs, while a Buddha sees only Buddhas." She said, "Hong Joonpyo's entire life has been driven by his complexes. In the past, his strength may have built him up, but now, as he approaches eighty, it only makes him look miserable." She continued, "His sudden talk of complexes seems to be a defensive reaction, perhaps because his reasons for leaving the party and his flaws are once again drawing attention. He is trapped in the belief that everyone thinks the way he does."

She also asserted, "People say Hong Joonpyo helped Bae Hyunjin, but in reality, Bae Hyunjin helped Hong Joonpyo much more." Bae added, "Now, I hope he can let go of his jealousy and rivalry toward juniors like Han Donghoon, learn to love himself, and focus on a peaceful old age."

As of now, Hong has not responded to Bae's second statement.