Hong Junpyo Laments: "Conservatives Pushed Out of Mainstream, Now Playthings for the Left"

"A New Party of Traditional Conservatism Must Be Created"
"A Party That Has Lost Its Self-Sustaining Power Must Be Dissolved"

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Junpyo. Photo by Dongju Yoon

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Junpyo delivered sharp criticism regarding the current state of conservatism, stating that traditional conservatives have all but disappeared and have been pushed aside by the left, becoming a minority faction.

On August 24, former Daegu Mayor Hong Junpyo expressed his views on his social media, saying, "It is truly bleak and devastating."

He stated, "During the Syngman Rhee era, the nation was founded; during the Park Chung Hee era, modernization was achieved; and during the Kim Youngsam era, democratization was completed. Then, under Lee Myungbak, Korea entered the era of advanced nations. These are the achievements of Korea's traditional conservatives."

He continued, "Although the left-right conflict began during the Roh Moo-hyun era and continues to this day, the mainstream of this country still cannot be anyone but traditional conservatives. However, what is the situation now? Those who are neither trees nor grass are pretending to be a conservative party, but have been pushed out of the mainstream and have become playthings for the left," he pointed out.

"A party that has lost its capacity for self-sustainability should be dissolved... We must create a new, truly traditional conservative party"

Meanwhile, on August 23, former Daegu Mayor Hong Junpyo stated on his online communication platform 'Youth's Dream,' "A party that has lost its capacity for self-sustainability should be dissolved, and some existing members, together with new people, must unite to create a new party of true traditional conservatism."

When a user posted, "If the People Power Party embraces Yoon Sukyeol, will the people really support the party in the local and general elections? It is so frustrating that the party seems unable to come to its senses," he responded accordingly.

He also predicted that if the special prosecutor's investigation begins in earnest, the party's very foundation could be threatened. In response to the claim, "President Lee Jaemyung hasn't even drawn his sword from its sheath, yet cries of distress are being heard everywhere," he replied, "The real sword dance hasn't even begun yet."

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