Ex-Daegu Mayor Hong criticizes Park Geun-hye, citing father's legacy

Hong Joon-pyo, former mayor of Daegu, has sharply criticized former President Park Geun-hye, suggesting her presidency was solely a result of her father's legacy and that she should now withdraw from political disputes.

“

It is because I saw her as someone who became president through the afterglow of President Park Chung-hee, not as someone with presidential qualifications.

In a Facebook post, Hong stated that while he erected a statue commemorating Park Chung-hee in Daegu, he never visited Park Geun-hye's residence and did not invite her to the statue's unveiling. He explained this by asserting that she became president only because of her father's "afterglow," implying she lacked the inherent qualifications. Hong further argued that individuals who rise through "image politics" are destined to fall when that image collapses, viewing Park's downfall not as a victim of factional politics but as a consequence of her own political style.

“

A person who rose through image politics collapses the moment that image collapses. Park Geun-hye's downfall should not be explained simply as a victim of factional logic.

Hong urged Park, as a former president who has endured significant hardship, to step away from political conflicts and spend her remaining years in peace. This statement comes as Park has been increasing her engagement with political circles, including meeting with the leadership of the People Power Party and considering attendance at a party retreat.

“

As a former president who has gone through all sorts of hardships, I hope she will now step away from the scene of conflict and spend her remaining years peacefully.

Previously, Hong had also expressed skepticism about the motives behind recent meetings between People Power Party officials and Park, suggesting they might be driven by ambitions for party leadership. He lamented the conservative party's continued dependence on Park's political influence, questioning how long they will remain "playing in Park Geun-hye's shadow."

“

I wonder how long the conservative party has to play in Park Geun-hye's shadow.