Hong Jun-pyo: "Yoon Seok-yeol, Still Unsure If Ally or Enemy... Lee Jun-seok Much More Stable Than Expected"

Hong Joon-pyo, a member of the People Power Party challenging for the presidency, is holding a press conference at the Daegu City Party Office on the afternoon of the 16th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim So-young] Hong Joon-pyo, a member of the People Power Party, expressed caution about former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, saying, "I still don't know if he is an ally or an enemy. I cannot tell." Hong made this assessment of Yoon during a press conference held at the Daegu City Party Office on the 16th.

Regarding former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung, he said, "I issued a statement welcoming his party membership," adding, "I will refrain from further comment as it might seem like political commentary."

About party leader Lee Jun-seok, he gave a positive evaluation, saying, "He is doing better than I had worried about," and "He is much more stable than expected." He added, "A few days ago, I advised him that 'a party leader should be as heavy as Mount Taesan. When responding to any issue, it is important to delay a tempo and review again to avoid mistakes.'"

Regarding the timing of his presidential candidacy declaration, Hong said, "I will announce my participation in the primary around the time the primary train departs."

When asked if he intends to resign from his parliamentary seat, he replied, "Former Presidents Park Geun-hye and Kim Dae-jung resigned after being elected," adding, "I will resign if I become president."

Meanwhile, when the issue of relocating the Daegu water intake, a local concern, was raised, he continued his strong criticism toward Daegu Mayor Kwon Young-jin and Gyeongbuk Governor Lee Cheol-woo.

Hong said, "Three years ago, I told Governor Lee Cheol-woo and Mayor Kwon Young-jin to reach an agreement and solve the water issue, and the two agreed," adding, "But even now, it has not been resolved. They promised the party an agreement, but delaying the resolution until now means both of them fail."

He continued, "Despite failing to keep such a crucial promise, the governor is seeking re-election and the mayor is aiming for a third term," emphasizing, "I request that they fulfill the promise made to the party three years ago within this year. If they cannot keep it, they should not cling to their positions as governor or mayor."

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