'Heavy Rain Golf' Investigation Ordered... Ruling Party Distancing from Hong Jun-pyo?

The Democratic Party Quickly Distances Itself Amid Public Backlash
Kim Ki-hyun and Hong Joon-pyo Maintain 'Uncomfortable Relationship'

It has been confirmed that Kim Ki-hyun, the leader of the People Power Party, has ordered a fact-finding investigation regarding Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo playing golf amid the flood disaster. It appears that he judged Hong's actions and response to have caused significant political burden to the party during a national disaster situation.

Mayor Hong is known to have gone golfing on the 15th, when heavy rains caused widespread damage nationwide. In response to ongoing criticism, Hong countered, "Where in the public service regulations does it say you can play tennis on weekends but not golf?"

Mayor Hong also stated, "I am not the president responsible for the entire country; I am only responsible for Daegu as its mayor," adding, "The city of Daegu, which I am in charge of, has been thoroughly preparing for flood damage so far."

Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo is answering reporters' questions while moving after meeting with Yoon Jae-ok, the floor leader of the People Power Party, at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the afternoon of July 17, 2023. Photo by Yonhap News.

On the 18th, the People Power Party announced that, following Kim's directive, they have begun a fact-finding investigation into Mayor Hong. Kang Min-guk, the chief spokesperson, explained at a briefing after the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that, "The party is taking this matter very seriously, and after first investigating the facts and the truth, there will likely be discussions on follow-up measures."

This is interpreted to mean that after examining whether Mayor Hong violated the party's constitution and regulations, if violations are confirmed, disciplinary actions such as audits by the Party Affairs Inspection Committee or referral to the Ethics Committee may follow. At the Supreme Council meeting that day, Kim said, "Especially in times like these, special care must be taken with words and actions," and "I ask all party members, including lawmakers, party branch chiefs, local government heads, and government officials, to avoid causing controversies through inappropriate remarks or behavior."

In a situation where negative factors such as President Yoon's visit to Ukraine and suspicions of luxury shopping by First Lady Kim Keon-hee have accumulated, this is seen as a swift attempt to distance the party from further worsening public opinion.

Mayor Hong's remarks have not even gained support among party lawmakers. In an interview with SBS Radio, lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo criticized, "I wouldn't say anything about playing golf or tennis on weekends, but the problem is that it was the day with the highest number of casualties in history," adding, "Just because it is not your jurisdiction, you cannot say 'it's not my business.'"

There is also an interpretation that the fact-finding investigation into Mayor Hong has once again revealed the strained relationship between Kim and Hong. Previously, Kim and Hong clashed when a far-right controversy arose linking the party with Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church.

At that time, as Mayor Hong repeatedly criticized Kim's leadership, Kim responded by telling him to "focus on local administration," leading to a war of nerves. The conflict escalated further when Kim dismissed Hong from his position as the party's standing advisor.

Kim also did not attend the 'People Power Party - Daegu·Gyeongbuk Budget Policy Meeting' held at the San-gyeok office of Daegu City Hall on the 4th, which was interpreted as being due to the uncomfortable relationship with Mayor Hong.

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