Hong Ik-pyo: "Yoon Young-chan's Retention Because of Hyun Geun-taek? ... Political Fiction"

"Yoon Young-chan, Efforts to Prevent Resignation by 'Principle and Common Sense'"

Hong Ik-pyo, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated that the decision of fellow party member Yoon Young-chan to remain in the party was a matter that had been discussed with the party's floor leadership. Initially, the intra-party non-Lee Jae-myung faction group 'Principles and Common Sense' had emphasized joint action, but just before the press conference announcing their departure from the party, Yoon expressed his intention to stay in the Democratic Party, leading to various interpretations surrounding this decision.

On the 11th, Hong appeared on SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show' and said, "In fact, Yoon Young-chan's decision to stay was made quite some time ago, and to some extent, we left room for discussion with us. However, Yoon hesitated to announce it because he had political loyalty to the other three members and continued to deliberate."

Hong Ik-pyo, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the policy coordination meeting held at the National Assembly on the 11th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Regarding interpretations that the sexual harassment controversy involving Hyun Geun-taek, deputy director of the Democratic Research Institute and a pro-Lee Jae-myung faction member, influenced Yoon's decision to remain, Hong criticized this as "a typical political fiction" linking the incident to the decision to stay or leave the party. He added, "I wish at least one or two of them had tried to dissuade me, saying they would also make efforts, and we talked about it together."

He also dismissed claims that Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party leader, discussed the disciplinary severity related to the sexual harassment allegations against pro-Lee faction leader Jeong Seong-ho and Deputy Director Hyun as merely a process of gathering opinions. Hong explained, "When similar issues arise, I consult with several lawmakers. Although I am not in a position to decide on discipline, I gather public opinion on such matters, and ultimately, either the Ethics Tribunal or the Ethics Inspection Team makes a conclusion, which must be approved by the Supreme Council."

He continued, "The party leader would be the same. Many people have already called me directly about this incident, and I have also called them. We consulted with each other," adding, "I believe the leader's involvement is probably at that level."

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