Hong Joon-pyo: "Contaminated Water Rumors, Once Just Passing Empty Talk"

Dismissal of Opposition Criticism Comparing to Mad Cow Disease and THAAD
"We Should Not Be Swayed by Poll Ratings"

Hong Jun-pyo, Mayor of Daegu, stated on the 7th, "The mad cow disease rumors and the THAAD rumors were all just fleeting, baseless winds," and added, "The Fukushima contaminated water rumors are also just another passing baseless wind." He appeared to dismiss the opposition's criticism against Japan's discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, thereby supporting the government and ruling party.

Mayor Hong began on Facebook that day by saying, "A leader who is swayed by approval ratings cannot dynamically lead the country or region."

He continued, "During the term, one should focus forward with principles and drive in public service, and after a certain period post-retirement, receive judgment from citizens and the public," adding, "That is the proper attitude for an elected public official in performing their duties."

Hong Joon-pyo, Mayor of Daegu. [Photo by Yonhap News]

He further stated, "If you are not in a position to watch public opinion for re-election, you should not run the country or region dancing to approval ratings," and warned, "That only causes harm to the country and its citizens."

Mayor Hong said, "After listening to various opinions and deep reflection, once a decision is made, one should not waver."

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