Lee Jun-seok delivers a direct hit to Kwon Young-se, who targeted Hong Joon-pyo’s character, calling him “really rude” despite being 26 years his senior.

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Kwon Young-se vs Hong Joon-pyo, Intensifying Internal Conflict in the Conservative Camp

Former emergency response committee chairman Kwon Young-se of the People Power Party sharply criticized former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo on the 14th, stating, "It seems that one's innate personality cannot be changed." This was in response to Hong's declaration the day before that he would distance himself from the party, stating, "I have lost affection for the party."

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Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung extended an invitation to Hong, saying, "Let's have a drink," further escalating the conflict into a slanderous battle within the conservative camp.

Kwon directly targeted Hong in a Facebook post, stating, "A person who has made two presidential attempts, won two provincial elections, and been elected as a member of the National Assembly multiple times should not be behaving like this now."

Conflict Deepens After Primary Loss and Retirement Declaration

The day before, Hong announced to his supporters, "I cannot remain connected to a party that has faced two impeachments."

He had declared his retirement from politics after being eliminated from the People Power Party presidential primary, where he was defeated by candidate Kim Moon-soo, who advocated for an alliance with former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.

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This conflict was joined by Lee Jun-seok, presidential candidate of the Reform Party. He criticized Kwon, asking, "Does he have the right to speak about innate personality when Hong Joon-pyo is a victim of a fraudulent primary? He is truly lacking in character," intensifying the debate.

Concerns from the Conservative Camp Amid Democratic Outreach

The background of the heated discussions surrounding Hong in the conservative camp seems to be influenced by the Democratic Party’s actions as well.

Although the Democratic Party's attempt to recruit Lee Byung-tae, a former KAIST professor and Hong's policy advisor, did not materialize, there remains concern that personnel close to Hong may still move towards the Democratic Party.

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In this situation, the leadership of the People Power Party has begun efforts to resolve the conflicts. Kim Yong-tae, the nominee for the emergency response committee chair, stated, "If Hong feels hurt by the party during the primary process, we must sincerely try to address that." He expressed a desire to personally take care of Hong, saying, "If I could, I would love to go to Hawaii and take good care of you."

Floor leader Kwon Seong-dong also appealed, saying, "Senior Hong Joon-pyo is truly a standout among the crowd," urging him not to abandon the history of the party, as reconciliation efforts from the leadership continue.

Image Sources: (Left) Hong Joon-pyo, (Right) Kwon Young-se / News1, Lee Jun-seok, Leader of People Power Party / News1, Kim Yong-tae, Nominee for Emergency Response Committee Chair / News1

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