On the 25th, Han Dong-hoon and Hong Joon-pyo, candidates for the People Power Party presidential primary, clashed as they exchanged sharp remarks during a 'counter debate.'
During the second primary counter debate held at the Channel A studio in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, Han and Hong, who pointed to each other as debate opponents, engaged in several rounds of psychological warfare from the first debate, which was conducted on a 'free topic.'
First, Han, who took the lead in the debate, delved into Hong's past controversial remarks.
Han asked about the true intention of Hong's statement made during the 2017 impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye, which had previously been controversial, that he 'thought he was voting for a Chunhyang but it turned out to be a Hyangdan. It's fair to be impeached.' In response, Hong said, 'That was not my statement; I meant that this was how the public thought.'
In November of last year, after the prosecution indicted Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, on charges of 'private use of corporate credit cards' in Gyeonggi Province, Hong, who was then the mayor of Daegu, noted in a Facebook post, 'With such a dust-sweeping investigation, will the Democratic Party be able to approve the budget in the National Assembly and the prime minister's confirmation?' He added, 'Isn't it a bit suspicious that this is not just an indictment meant to embarrass?'
Han persistently questioned this, asking, 'You indicated there are problems with the corporate card indictment and mentioned it's wrong; what's the intention behind that?' In response, Hong remarked that Han's investigation into Lee's alleged corruption in the Daejang-dong case was inadequate, asking, 'Is it normal to indict based on things like fuel expenses incurred while the head of a local government is driving around?'
When Han asked again, 'Do you think it's acceptable to indict someone for buying shampoo and snacks with a corporate card?' Hong replied, 'It's not that it shouldn't be indicted; it's about why you're focusing on trivial matters while neglecting the bigger issues and creating a political controversy.'
In response, Hong countered, 'You shouldn't use national assets that way. If you become president, will you let employees who do that be unaccounted for?' to which he replied, 'Of course not.'
He also delved into Hong's allegations regarding the misuse of special activity expenses. Earlier, on May 11, 2015, Hong posted on his Facebook, 'When I was the party's floor leader, I also served as the chair of the National Assembly Management Committee, receiving 40 to 50 million won monthly as a contingency fund, and I would give the unspent money to my wife as living expenses,' which led to allegations of embezzlement.
Hong explained, 'There was a misunderstanding; as the floor leader and chair of the Management Committee, I received special activity expenses. That's why I meant that I gave my entire salary at home.' When Han pointed out, 'Aren't you minimizing Lee Jae-myung's misuse of corporate credit cards?' Hong shot back, 'With these kinds of dust-sweeping investigations, innocent people end up in prison and commit suicide.'
Han asked, 'Are you saying we should overlook a local government official's family using corporate cards for snacks?' He continued, 'It's not that we should overlook it; it's just pathetic,' questioning, 'Does the principle of proportionality in investigations hold when you couldn't uncover serious issues with 200 prosecutors and instead focus on trivial matters?' Han added, 'I think the public has a clear understanding of your view on public office. They likely think that this extent of personal use of corporate cards isn't a big deal.'
Hong, who was cornered and unable to take the initiative, retaliated. On May 10, 2023, while he was the mayor of Daegu, he met with Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party and said, 'I'm asking for the Democratic Party's help.' Hong explained the context of his statement regarding the critical issue of passing the TK (Daegu-Gyeongbuk) New Airport Act, saying, 'If we don't get permission from Lee, it won't pass.' Han then inquired, 'Was that a flattering statement?'
In response, Hong asked, 'Has Han ever mocked a president?' Han replied, 'You keep using the word 'mock'; you shouldn't use such expressions as it belittles others. I advise you to refrain from using it to someone's face.' To this, Hong responded, 'I'll refrain from using that expression from now on based on what I've seen today.'
Han pointed out Hong's remark during the last party leader election when he said that 63% of party members supported Han, calling it 'insane.' Han urged Hong to apologize, stating, 'You criticized our party members.' Hong said, 'If I must apologize, I will.' However, he added, 'Since you took charge, we've experienced unprecedented election defeats, which is why I said people are insane for reelecting someone who faced such defeats. No doubt, you've already brought ruin to the party and the country.'