Hong Jun-pyo Criticizes Kim Woong's 'First-Term Party Leader Theory'... "Badmouthing Seniors and Relying on Outsiders"

Hong Jun-pyo "Early Blooming Flowers Wilt Early"
Kim Woong Opposes Hong Jun-pyo's Reinstatement Proposal... "Must Change to Be Able to Return"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Independent lawmaker Hong Jun-pyo criticized Kim Woong of the People Power Party, who is promoting himself as a "first-term party leader candidate." He argued that it is unreasonable for someone who has only been in politics for one year to aim to become party leader.

On the 9th, through social media (SNS), Rep. Hong pointed out, "Isn't it a bit much for someone who has only been in politics for one year to recklessly push forward just based on age and say they want to be party leader without understanding the realities?" He mentioned that in countries like the UK and other parts of Europe, people join political parties at age 16 and have over 25 years of political experience by their early 40s. Applying such European examples to call for young leaders does not fit the Korean context.

Although Rep. Hong did not mention any specific names, his remarks were aimed at Rep. Kim, who has announced his candidacy for the People Power Party leadership. Rep. Kim has been actively engaging in activities such as addressing factional issues and recently meeting with former People Power Party emergency committee chairman Kim Jong-in to seek advice regarding his leadership bid.

Rep. Hong said, "Looking at the reasons for running, some first-term lawmakers badmouth their political seniors and try to float their candidacy relying on outsiders. Can party members really accept that?" He added, "A flower that blooms early withers early." He further advised, "A flower forced to bloom out of season in a greenhouse withers immediately once outside. One must study more, build up inner strength, and engage in positive politics based on their own abilities to grow into a national asset."

Meanwhile, Rep. Kim expressed a negative view on Rep. Hong’s return to the People Power Party during radio interviews. He said, "Party members probably do not want it," and added, "One can only come in with an attitude that considers party members and the party itself, and with a genuine desire to bring about change." The outsider Rep. Hong referred to is presumed to be Kim Jong-in, the People Power Party emergency committee chairman. Earlier, on the 7th, Rep. Kim met with Chairman Kim to seek advice about his leadership candidacy.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.