Hong Jun-pyo: "Yoon, full of suspicions, faces a tough presidential race... My strength is having no flaws"

People Power Party presidential candidate Hong Joon-pyo.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seoyoung Kwon] Hong Jun-pyo, a presidential candidate from the People Power Party, raised critical voices against his intra-party primary rival, former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, saying he has many weaknesses.

On the 2nd, Hong appeared on MBC Radio's 'Politician Insider' and said, "(Yoon's) attack points are not just one or two." Hong stated, "There are suspicions involving his mother-in-law, allegations of stock price manipulation by his wife, and even suspicions regarding his own accusation inducement. Additionally, there is his father's alleged involvement in the Daejang-dong real estate scandal, which alone would make it difficult to run an election."

On the same day, Hong said, "I see Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung as the main culprit of the Daejang-dong corruption, but now (because of candidate Yoon Seok-yeol) the situation is being turned back on me," adding, "Even if the presidential election is not directly connected to oneself, it can still be ruined." He also said, "Right now, Yoon Seok-yeol is entangled in all sorts of issues; do you think he can overcome the presidential election? I don't think so," diagnosing the situation.

Regarding the Daejang-dong development allegations against Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate and Gyeonggi Province Governor, Hong pointed out, "It seems Lee thinks the Daejang-dong case is like the 1997 DJ slush fund case." He said, "The Daejang-dong and DJ slush fund cases are different issues," explaining, "The DJ slush fund issue was about political funds of the opposition party oppressed by the military regime, and those who truly liked DJ gave it because he needed it. However, the Daejang-dong allegations have too many victims. It is not a case that can be hidden."

When asked about his own strengths, Hong replied, "I have no flaws, so the other side (Democratic Party) has no material to attack," adding, "With abundant government experience, I can face the Democratic Party's 180 seats after a regime change." He continued, "A person with political skill and resolve must lead the country. Otherwise, it becomes a figurehead president," emphasizing, "Considering that, I am the best choice."

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