Hong Joon-pyo, the Mayor of Daegu, garnered attention by seemingly targeting People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon with his statement, “One should not engage in cowardly acts.”
On the morning of the 18th, Mayor Hong stated on his social media, “One should not engage in cowardly acts such as gossiping and having family or close aides disguise themselves as members to post slanderous comments on party member boards.”
He pointed out that “In the political scene, which is rife with schemes and slanders, one must be confident to criticize others and have the right to ask for support.”
He added, “Politics learned through deception does not last long, and it is time to change from the mercenary politics that blinds the party.”
Although Mayor Hong did not specify anyone in his post, it is interpreted as targeting Han Dong-hoon, as it refers to a recent controversy involving posts defaming the president appearing under the name of a representative’s family member on the People Power Party bulletin board.
At the time, Mayor Hong strongly criticized, saying, “If hundreds of posts insulting the president and his wife were uploaded under the party representative’s family name, shouldn’t the party have immediately requested a probe to clarify the facts, instead of quietly letting it pass?” He urged, “Request an investigation immediately, not just a party inspection. Do not think about destroying evidence. If it’s impersonation, identify and punish the impostors, and if true, take appropriate actions. What on earth is the secretary-general doing?”
Meanwhile, the police investigating the allegation that posts defaming President Yoon appeared under the family name of the party representative on the People Power Party member bulletin board have reportedly sent an official request to the People Power Party to preserve the server data of the bulletin board.