"Better if People Power disappears," Yoon's remark sparks backlash from Hong, Yoo, and Won: "Is the party beneath your feet?"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol's remark that "Our party (People Power Party) should disappear" has escalated conflicts within the party.

On the 14th, intra-party primary competitors such as Hong Joon-pyo, former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min, and former Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong simultaneously criticized former Prosecutor General Yoon. The day before, at the appointment ceremony of the Jeju campaign headquarters held by the People Power Party Jeju Provincial Party, Yoon made pointed remarks including, "Those candidates couldn't do well, so we lost the regime, the local elections, and the general elections," and "If we don't fix this mindset first, it would be better if our party disappears."

In response, Representative Hong posted on social media, "A person who has only been in the party for three months says that if the mindset doesn't change, the party should be disbanded? This is hard to overlook," and issued a harsh warning, "Without fixing that bad attitude, it will be difficult to continue in politics." Hong's campaign also demanded an apology through a statement for "insulting the primary candidates and our party supporters."

Former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min also reacted, saying, "Just because you have some support, do you think politics is that trivial and the party is beneath your feet?"

Former Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong also pointed out, "Candidate verification is an essential element in the primary process," and added, "(Former Prosecutor General Yoon's) remarks are clearly a gaffe and an insult to party members." As emotional confrontations among primary candidates intensified, Party Leader Lee Jun-seok appeared to step in to calm the atmosphere.

He expressed concern on a radio appearance that day, saying, "If (former Prosecutor General Yoon's) message is perceived as excessive, it could be seen negatively by the public."

Former Prosecutor General Yoon, who had strongly opposed criticism directed at him, recently adopted a strategy of showing a more inclusive image. However, as the criticism from competitors intensified, it seems he revised his strategy again. In response to the criticism from rival candidates, Yoon stated through his campaign, "The people and party members who earnestly desire regime change will make a wise judgment."

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