Hong Joon-pyo "Were Kim Jong-in and Jin Joong-kwon in a hurry... I will embrace them all"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seoyoung Kwon] Hong Joon-pyo, a presidential candidate from the People Power Party, described himself as "someone who embraces everyone."

Today (16th), Hong wrote on his Facebook, "Seeing former Emergency Committee Chairman Kim Jong-in and former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon recently criticizing me and appearing in the media, it seems this primary is unfolding in a way favorable to me." This appears to be a response to previous remarks made by Kim and Jin about Hong.

Earlier, former Emergency Committee Chairman Kim appeared on a radio show and commented on Hong's support among young voters, saying, "I don't know how long it will last," and "I think it will be difficult for him to advance further." He also said, "Hong said that people without voting rights are making useless remarks, but I am currently a party member," adding, "I pay my monthly party dues and voted as a responsible party member. I believe the person I voted for will win."

Professor Jin also left harsh criticism of Hong during the one-on-one debates among People Power Party presidential candidates held on the 15th. On his Facebook, he wrote, "Candidate Hong seems to have come to the debate with the purpose of highlighting the 'Yoon Seok-youl risk' among supporters." He also said, "I hope he will be more serious and dignified like a presidential candidate from now on," and likened him to "an old man who drinks and picks fights with passersby."

In response, Hong said, "(They) must be desperate," claiming, "If I become the candidate, their roles in this presidential election might disappear." He added, "But don't worry. Hong Joon-pyo is someone who embraces everyone," and "I believe that uniting the people without factionalism or left-right division is the most important virtue for the next president."

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