Hong Joonpyo Rebuts JTBC's 'Jang Donghyuk Defender Transformation' Report: "Criticism Without Understanding the Nomination Structure"

Continuing Political Activities on SNS After Retirement

Criticizes JTBC While Refuting Responsibility Claims Against Jang Donghyuk

Hong Joonpyo, former mayor of Daegu, directly criticized JTBC's report on "Jang Donghyuk's transformation into a defender," countering that "it was not a change of stance, but a statement of principle."

On the 24th, Hong posted on his social networking service (SNS) account, saying, "I stated principles and did not defend Representative Jang Donghyuk," and criticized JTBC, calling them "rookie political reporters who don't even understand the nomination mechanism."

Former Mayor Hong Junpyo of Daegu. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

Previously, JTBC's "Behind the News" segment reported that Hong had emerged as an "unexpected supporter" of Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, on the same day.

Regarding the People Power Party's results in the June 3 local elections, Hong argued, "For metropolitan mayors and governors, where the leadership was responsible, there were either primaries or strategic nominations, and if the result was 12 to 4 out of a possible 15 to 1, that means we did well." He further claimed, "Winning four National Assembly seats means the nominations were well-managed." He went on to criticize, "It is not just shamelessness but outright audacity for city and provincial party chairs, National Assembly members, and district party heads who are responsible for defeat due to poor nominations to attack the party leadership that performed well." Hong added, "If you're a political reporter, you should at least know this much before writing or broadcasting," and strongly criticized, "If you keep acting this way, you'll become a social ill no different from YouTubers distorting public opinion."

However, some point out that Hong has recently provided grounds for criticism by repeatedly making remarks in support of Jang. In fact, Hong has made a series of favorable comments about Jang regarding recent controversies over Jang's position. On the 20th, he also said, "Jang Donghyuk has done many things to incur the media's dislike and is inexperienced, but he is doggedly holding on, which is why, even while being called a 'rebellious party,' the party is being held together."

Meanwhile, after declaring his "retirement from politics" following the People Power Party's presidential primary, Hong has recently been outspoken on current political issues. During this year's local elections, he publicly expressed his support for Kim Boo-kyum, the Democratic Party of Korea candidate, in the Daegu mayoral race, and immediately after the election, he urged Jang Donghyuk's leadership team to pursue internal reform, saying the People Power Party had performed well despite difficult circumstances. Previously, in April, Hong held a private luncheon with President Lee Jaemyung, where discussions about his future role were raised. At the time, Hong wrote on SNS, "I hope to spend the rest of my life with passion for the country."

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