Hong Jun-pyo Targets Yoon and Choi: "Is the President Saying He Wants to Be an 'Intern'... It's Pitiful"

by Park Joonyi

Published 21 Aug.2021 14:29(KST)

Yoon Seok-yeol's 'Controversial Remarks' and Choi Jae-hyung's 'Election Law Violation' Controversy Highlighted

Screenshot of Hong Joon-pyo, People Power Party member's Facebook page

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Hong Jun-pyo, a presidential candidate from the People Power Party, criticized fellow party candidates former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol and former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung, saying, "Are you trying to be president or a presidential apprentice (試補: trainee)?"

On the 21st, Hong stated on Facebook, "One candidate (former Prosecutor General Yoon) rushed into the race and caused a stir with 'one outrageous remark a day,' then went into hiding to avoid facing the public, while the other (former Chairman Choi) is tiring the people with ongoing election law violation controversies." He added, "It is truly pitiful and regrettable."

Yoon and Choi, who are 'recruited candidates' of the People Power Party, have recently been embroiled in various controversies. Yoon has been avoiding public appearances and taking a leave after his remarks during interviews and field visits became problematic. Choi is facing allegations of election law violations after the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Regional Alumni Association declared support for him on the 19th. Earlier, on the 6th, he was warned by the Daegu City Election Commission for election law violations after appealing for support using a microphone at Daegu Seomun Market.

In response, Hong emphasized, "If you see the position of president as such an easy role, that is a huge misconception," adding, "The presidency is a crucial position that determines the fate of the nation, responsible for the lives and property of 50 million people, and requires long-term preparation, experience, and study."