Han Donghoon Targets Hong Joonpyo Over Support for Kim Boo-kyum: "Deserter, Finally Surrendered"

Hong Joonpyo Declares Support for Kim Boo-kyum on April 2
Han Says, "Deserted on His Own and Lying Again"

Former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon has criticized former Daegu Mayor Hong Joonpyo over Hong’s remarks supporting former Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum’s bid for Daegu mayor.

Yonhap News Agency

On April 5, Han posted on his Facebook, “Deserter Hong Joonpyo has finally ‘surrendered,’” voicing his criticism.

Previously, on April 2, Hong publicly expressed his support for Kim, stating, “The next Daegu mayor should be someone who is capable and able to compromise with the central government.” He emphasized that “I did not support the Democratic Party, but rather Kim Boo-kyum as an individual,” and added, “I will make decisions for the future of Korea, not bound by party or ideology.”

After facing criticism from conservative circles, Hong responded by saying, “People Power Party sparrows are making a fuss because I supported Kim Boo-kyum,” and added, “This is for the future of Daegu. Why should you care how an ex-husband you kicked out lives?”

Han, in turn, shared a screenshot of Hong’s post and pointed out, “And yet, he lies again. He deserted on his own; he was never kicked out.” Han also shared articles from 2025 reporting that the People Power Party sent a special delegation to Hawaii to persuade Hong, despite his objections, and that the delegation met with him there.

At that time, the People Power Party dispatched the delegation in a bid to consolidate conservative support by asking Hong to join the election campaign committee. However, Hong reportedly told them not to come. The delegation insisted on meeting him, after which Hong stated that he supported candidate Kim Moonsoo and wished for his victory.

Meanwhile, Kim Boo-kyum, who has been confirmed as the Daegu mayoral candidate for the Democratic Party, stated, “I will register as a preliminary candidate next Thursday (the 9th),” explaining that he will officially become a candidate at that point. Following his announcement of candidacy, Kim began his first official schedule in Daegu by attending a church service he frequented, along with other media interviews. On April 6, he is scheduled to visit the Catholic Archdiocese of Daegu and to meet Moon Hee-gap, the first popularly elected Daegu mayor, thus officially kicking off his campaign.

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