"Cheolbuji Runs Wild" vs "Who Did You Learn From?"... Hong Jun-pyo and Kim Woong's Daily SNS War of Words

Independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Independent lawmaker Hong Jun-pyo and People Power Party lawmaker Kim Woong engaged in a heated exchange on social networking services (SNS). The dispute began when Hong expressed opposition to Kim's declaration to run for the People Power Party leadership, and Kim fired back, continuing the tense standoff for two days.

On the 10th, Hong posted on his Facebook, addressing Kim, "When a reckless youngster rampages without knowing the world, it is the duty of an elder to try to persuade and, if that fails, to scold," adding, "Please exercise restraint."

He continued, "There is also the old saying 신구미월령 (新鳩未越嶺 - a young bird cannot cross a rugged mountain pass)," and criticized, "As the times have become fickle, politics is becoming reckless without respect for seniors or juniors, or for hierarchy."

In response, Kim said, "Who do you think I learned to speak strongly from?" and countered, "Didn't I learn from a senior who once attacked me by bringing up my past criminal record, saying 'It's greed for power. Don't poke around in politics'?"

Kim added, "It's truly regrettable that a senior with whom I used to work out at the National Assembly gym and I are exchanging such sharp words," and said, "Even if I engage in 'reckless politics without respect for seniors or juniors or hierarchy,' I will hope you will be understanding, thinking it is your way."

He further said, "Senior, please show a more developed side to your juniors. I vividly remember how one word from you severely damaged our party's image," and added, "The time for you to change is when 'the world calls you again.' Even salt gets moldy over time. If a young pigeon cannot cross a high mountain pass, please help it, senior."

Kim Woong, member of the People Power Party./Photo by Yonhap News

Hong and Kim also exchanged heated words on SNS the previous day (9th).

Hong criticized Kim's declaration to run for the People Power Party leadership, saying, "Isn't it a bit much for someone who has only been in politics for a year to recklessly rely on age and declare candidacy for party leader?" and "Moreover, looking at the reasons for running, can party members really accept a first-term lawmaker who badmouths political seniors and tries to float by relying on outsiders?"

He added, "A flower that blooms early withers early. Especially a flower forced to bloom out of season in a greenhouse withers immediately once outside," and said, "You need to study more, build your skills, and engage in positive politics with your own ability to grow into a national asset."

In response, Kim posted on Facebook a message titled 'To Lawmaker Hong Jun-pyo,' saying, "Although an early blooming flower withers early, the plum blossom blooms even in the biting cold wind. Without that first flower, winter never ends. Flowers bloom to wither."

He continued, "Politics without that fleeting beauty is like an artificial flower. Wilted petals bear fruit, but artificial flowers only gather dust," and said, "I will live like a plum blossom. Lawmaker, please live like an artificial flower that never withers."

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