Former Daegu Mayor Hong Junpyo argued that, for the reconstruction of the conservative movement, the party should voluntarily dissolve itself and expel both the pro-Yoon (pro-Yoon Suk Yeol) and pro-Han (pro-Han Donghoon) factions, who provided the pretext for the declaration of martial law.

On July 21, through his Facebook account, Hong referenced the past two crises faced by the conservative bloc and stated, "This current martial law situation is even more severe and serious than the previous two cases, yet the pro-Yoon and pro-Han factions attempted to rig the primary and ended up handing over power to the Lee Jaemyung administration." The two crises in the conservative camp that Hong referred to are the so-called "Chatae-gi" scandal in 2004 and the impeachment of former President Park Geunhye in 2017.

The 2004 "Chatae-gi" scandal involved the Grand National Party (the predecessor of the current People Power Party) accepting illegal political funds in cash from conglomerates ahead of the 2002 presidential election and transporting them in car trunks. Prosecutors found that approximately 82 billion won in illegal funds flowed into the campaign of candidate Lee Hoi-chang. It was also confirmed that major conglomerates such as Samsung and Hyundai systematically provided funds. At that time, emergency committee chair Park Geunhye donated all party assets to the state and appealed to party members and the public from a tent headquarters, thereby rebuilding the party.

Hong stated, "The current party has become a wreck due to its own faults, and seeing the group scrambling to become captain of the sinking ship is truly pitiable." He added, "In the future, a special prosecutor team will summon dozens of the party's lawmakers as accomplices in incitement and rebellion. If Jeong Cheongrae of the Democratic Party becomes party leader, he will not leave a party complicit in rebellion untouched."

On the 9th, members attending the People Power Party's caucus meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, are listening attentively to the remarks of Song Eonseok, emergency response committee chairman and floor leader. Photo by Yonhap News

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He continued, "If a petition for party dissolution is filed, state subsidies are cut off, dozens of lawmakers are indicted as in the Fast Track case, and the special prosecutor's investigation into Kim Keonhee's abuse of power becomes reality, will the party be able to withstand the public's outrage?" He questioned, "Will the party be able to survive, let alone contest local elections?"

In conclusion, he said, "The core of reform is for the party to voluntarily dissolve itself, donate its assets to the state, and expel both the pro-Yoon and pro-Han factions who provided the pretext for martial law." He added, "Only by gathering new authentic conservatives can we hope to regain the public's trust. Yet, you are still clinging to your remaining National Assembly terms, unable to come to your senses, and that is truly pitiful."