Kang Deukgu and Lee Eonju Visit Hoyoung An's Hunger Strike Site: "Jeong Cheongrae Should Show Basic Human Decency"

Kang Deukgu and Lee Eunju, Supreme Council members of the Democratic Party of Korea, directly criticized Party Leader Jeong Cheongrae on April 22, urging Assemblyman Ahn Ho-young to end his hunger strike. They stated, "At the very least, as a fellow colleague, you should show basic human decency to someone on a hunger strike." Assemblyman Ahn, who participated in the Democratic Party's North Jeolla Province gubernatorial primary, entered the 12th day of his hunger strike, demanding a renewed investigation into allegations that Lee Wantak, the candidate who won the nomination, had a third party pay for his meal expenses.

At a press conference held that day at the hunger strike site in front of the main building of the National Assembly, Supreme Council member Lee said, "Even if, for the sake of argument, you do not agree with concerns about the fairness of the primary, someone is on a hunger strike, and yet the party leader's office has never even stopped by or shaken his hand. I feel considerable dismay at this behavior."

(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Donghae Lee = Kang Deukgoo and Lee Eunju, Supreme Council members of the Democratic Party of Korea, held a press conference on April 22 in front of the main building of the National Assembly visiting the tent protest site of Assemblyman Ahn Ho-young, who was on the 12th day of a hunger strike. 2026.4.22 eastsea@yna.co.kr (End)

Lee continued, "We cannot help but question if we are fulfilling our responsibilities when we ignore this situation and instead hold a Supreme Council meeting on a boat in the provinces, acting as if it is a joyful photo shoot." This was a direct criticism of Party Leader Jeong, who held a Supreme Council meeting on a boat off Yokji Island, Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang Province that day.

Kang also strongly stated, "No matter how important an on-site Supreme Council meeting may be, is it right for a leader—for the party leader—to ignore a fellow lawmaker who has been on a hunger strike for over ten days? I do not agree with the behavior of our party leader."

Furthermore, Kang appealed to Jeong, saying, "I earnestly implore you. Please listen to what Assemblyman Ahn has to say and take his hand. I ask you to embrace him, not as a matter of political stance, but as a fellow colleague and comrade."

Addressing Ahn, Kang said, "Please stop your hunger strike now. Accept the doctor's strong recommendation and our request, go to the hospital, and restore both your body and mind."

On this day, Kim Gwanyoung, the governor of North Jeolla Province who was expelled from the Democratic Party due to allegations of proxy payment during the gubernatorial primary, also visited the site.

Meanwhile, Song Eon-seok, floor leader of the People Power Party, also visited the hunger strike site that day and said, "As a fellow lawmaker, regardless of the reason, I felt it was necessary to visit and offer encouragement at least once as the leader of a parliamentary negotiation group."

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