Kim Hyung-o, who targeted Hong Joon-pyo and Lee Jun-seok, says "It's time to step back now"

Kim Hyung-o "Lee Jun-seok, a Young Kkondae... Annoying People with Deviant Behavior"

Hong Joon-pyo, member of the People Power Party. [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] On the 4th, Hong Joon-pyo, a member of the People Power Party, sharply told former National Assembly Speaker Kim Hyung-o, who criticized Lee Jun-seok, "It's time to stop stepping forward."

On the same day, on the Q&A board of his political platform 'Youth's Dream' (where youth ask and Hong Joon-pyo answers), a netizen asked, "What do you think of former Speaker Kim? He is a key figure in the historic general election defeat and has a certain bad history with you. It seems you have a lot to say," to which Hong responded accordingly.

Another netizen referred to Kim's critical remarks toward Lee and asked, "Do you agree with former Speaker Kim's comments?" Hong pointed out, "Kim Hyung-o, who ruined the general election, has no right to say that."

Earlier, on the 3rd, former Speaker Kim posted on his blog, "The party leader's deviant behavior disappoints and irritates those who cared for him," and criticized, "Lee Jun-seok cannot tolerate things he disagrees with. He disregards position, age, and customs."

He continued, "When Lee was elected party leader, many were concerned, but I sincerely welcomed it. However, seeing him disappear, act erratically, and push his own will while holding the leadership position was quite disappointing. His methods rival those of established politicians. He is nothing but a young authoritarian," he criticized.

Kim also said, "If this continues, the public's hope for a regime change could be dashed. Ninety percent of the responsibility lies with Lee and key members of the election committee," adding, "Stop blaming the candidate. Do not evade your responsibility. The ones who should throw themselves into the front lines are you (plural)."

Former Speaker of the National Assembly Kim Hyung-o. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 2nd, former Speaker Kim also posted on his blog, saying, "To overcome the crisis, the three main figures of the election must show self-sacrificing attitudes: Yoon Seok-yeol, Lee Jun-seok, and Kim Jong-in," and pointed out, "Anyone who has run an election or most citizens can feel this emergency, but the parties involved seem to be unaware of its seriousness."

In particular, he advised candidate Yoon, "While claiming to change politics, he responds with old-fashioned methods rather than new ones. His words lack persuasiveness and sincerity," adding, "If Yoon Seok-yeol's infinite respect for the people and earnest love for the country are expressed with sincere attitudes and restrained language, the crisis will become a new hope."

Meanwhile, former Speaker Kim served as the Future United Party's (now People Power Party) nomination committee chairman during the April 15, 2020 general election but suffered a crushing defeat, losing 180 seats to the Democratic Party. The bad history between Kim and Hong goes back a long way. They clashed over the 2008 budget and the 2009 media law, among other issues.

Also, Hong was excluded from the nomination during the 2020 general election when Kim was the Future United Party's nomination committee chairman. However, Hong ran as an independent in Daegu Suseong District and was elected, then rejoined the People Power Party last year.

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