'Trouble Maker vs Hongkacola'... The Rediscovery of Hong Jun-pyo

Yoon Suk-yeol's 1st Anniversary: Meeting Lee Jae-myung in Person
Showcasing Presence by Criticizing Presidential Office for Failing Party Leadership
Expected to Gain Influence as a Leading Presidential Candidate

Daegu Mayor Hong Jun-pyo is unstoppable. He referred to himself not as a 'hyena' but as a 'leopard,' implying that he does not engage in 'pack (party) politics.' Mayor Hong is known for communicating directly without going through spokespeople or aides. His channel is the social network service (SNS) that he personally writes and edits. He has endured for 30 years with the political conviction of "speaking his mind." This is evident in his candid words and actions. Recently, on his Facebook, he stated, "I will become a respected elder statesman, not a politician (Politician)."

The Meeting of 'Hong-Cola' and 'Cider Lee Jae-myung'

On the 10th, marking President Yoon Suk-yeol's first anniversary in office, Mayor Hong met Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, in his office at Daegu City Hall. At this meeting, Mayor Hong requested assistance in enacting a special law for the early construction of the 'Moonlight High-Speed Railway' connecting Seodaegu Station and Gwangju Songjeong Station, and Lee responded positively, creating a warm atmosphere. Especially since this day marked President Yoon's one-year anniversary, it drew criticism both inside and outside the party. Since a 'summit meeting' between President Yoon and the opposition party leader has yet to materialize, Mayor Hong's meeting with the opposition leader was seen as inappropriate.

The highlight was the conversation between Mayor Hong and Leader Lee. Mayor Hong said at the meeting, "Anyway, the (Yoon Suk-yeol) government and the ruling forces are inexperienced in politics." He also said, "The Democratic Party should resolve state affairs through dialogue and compromise," and "The People Power Party leader is petty and doesn't listen well." This is similar in context to the controversy sparked when Mayor Hong said on MBC's '100-Minute Debate' on the 9th of last month, where he appeared with former Roh Moo-hyun Foundation Chairman Yoo Si-min, that "We elected a president without political skills."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Ha Tae-kyung: "Hong Jun-pyo Smears His Own Face" - Internal Party Criticism Continues

Within the ruling party, the meeting was criticized. Chief Spokesperson Yoo Sang-beom said in a CBS radio interview, "It is very respectful for the opposition leader to visit a metropolitan mayor directly," adding, "Lee probably came out with a triumphant smile after a brief conversation." It appears that Hong is aligning with Lee's strategy to fuel internal strife within the ruling party.

Representative Ha Tae-kyung sharply criticized on KBS radio, saying, "Sometimes he is so smart that it makes you admire him, but other times he is very lacking and has poor judgment," adding, "He is pouring contaminants on his own face and smearing himself." Representative Lee Yong-ho also said in a YTN radio interview, "Yesterday (the 10th) was President Yoon's first anniversary, and meeting with the leader of a party that is wary of our party and speaking ill of us did not look good at all."

"Hong Jun-pyo's Political Moves Aimed at the Next Presidential Election"

In political circles, the meeting was seen as an occasion to highlight Mayor Hong's presence. Since it is unusual for a local government head to meet the opposition leader, it is viewed as Mayor Hong solidifying his political position with an eye on the next presidential election. Even after being elected Daegu mayor last year, he has continued to raise his voice on major political issues, indicating ongoing involvement in national politics as part of his strategy for the next presidential race. Political commentator Park Sang-byeong said, "Hong is currently the strongest presidential candidate within the People Power Party," adding, "He must be aware of this himself."

Since the approval ratings for the People Power Party and President Yoon have both declined following the launch of the new leadership, there is also an analysis that Mayor Hong is voicing criticism to raise awareness within the ruling party. Commentator Park said, "It is very difficult for Hong Jun-pyo, who speaks his mind, to remain silent when the party and president's approval ratings are falling," adding, "If the party collapses, Hong Jun-pyo will be gone too, so he will speak out while observing until next year's general election." A People Power Party official said, "It is the party leadership's role to voice criticism of the presidential office at this time," adding, "But since the party continues to support the presidential office, Mayor Hong is playing the role of criticizing and self-correcting."

'Hong Jun-pyo Was Right'

'Hong Jun-pyo Was Right' was a catchphrase used by Mayor Hong during his 2019 presidential candidacy for the Liberty Korea Party. In reality, many cases have proven this slogan true. For example, when Supreme Council Member Kim Jae-won caused controversy with a series of incidents related to Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church, Mayor Hong was the first to call for disciplinary action. However, the party leadership, including People Power Party leader Kim Ki-hyun, hesitated to discipline Kim, and with additional incidents involving former Supreme Council Member Tae Young-ho, approval ratings plummeted. Eventually, Kim and Tae were suspended from party membership, fulfilling Mayor Hong's call for action. A senior People Power Party lawmaker said about Mayor Hong, "He already likes to talk, but now he has even more reasons to speak."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Not crossing the line is also Mayor Hong's political skill. While he generally criticizes the party and the presidential office, he does not directly target the president. On his Facebook, he wrote, "The president oversees judicial procedures, so he cannot meet the opposition leader indicted for serious crimes, but shouldn't he at least offer kind words and warmly welcome the opposition leader who came to see me?" When criticism arose over his meeting with Leader Lee, he defended the president by saying, "I will not get involved in factional fights." Om Kyung-young, head of the Era Spirit Research Institute, said, "Mayor Hong is still holding back on attacking President Yoon and is maintaining a mode of managing his support base."

Mayor Hong's criticism of the ruling party is expected to continue for the time being. Om predicted, "Currently, the ruling party is not acting as a bridge between public sentiment and the president but is merely conveying orders from the presidential office. Since the party is failing to manage next presidential candidates, Mayor Hong's voice is growing louder and will continue to do so."

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