Han Dong-hoon Slams Hong Joon-pyo as ‘Deserter’ After Endorsement of Rival Candidate
A sharp political feud erupted between two prominent conservative figures on April 5, 2026, after former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo announced his support for Kim Boo-kyum, the Democratic Party candidate for Daegu mayor. Han Dong-hoon, former representative of the People Power Party (PPP), responded with blistering criticism, characterizing Hong’s move as a “surrender.”
The conflict intensified on social media when Han shared a post from Hong, writing, “‘Deserter’ Hong Joon-pyo has finally surrendered.” This exchange underscores a deepening rift within the conservative camp in Daegu, a traditional stronghold for the PPP, as the June 3 local elections approach.
The tension stems from Hong’s decision to back Kim Boo-kyum, a former Prime Minister. In a Facebook post on April 5, Hong defended his choice, stating, “Supporting Kim Boo-kyum is for the future of Daegu.” He further mocked the backlash from his former party, writing, “The sparrows of the People Power Party are making a fuss because I supported Kim Boo-kyum.”
Hong as well took a swipe at his former colleagues, questioning why the party cared about his current political leanings. “What do you care how the ex-husband you kicked out is living? You should have treated me better when I was there?” Hong wrote.
Han Dong-hoon immediately countered these claims, accusing Hong of lying about the circumstances of his departure from the party. Han asserted that Hong was never ousted, stating, “He deserted of his own accord. he was never kicked out.”
To support his claim, Han referenced events from May 2025, when the People Power Party dispatched a “special envoy”—including lawmakers Yoo Sang-bum and Kim Dae-shik—to Hawaii to persuade Hong to rejoin the party’s presidential campaign. According to reports, Hong rejected the offer at that time.
This is not the first time Han has used military metaphors to describe Hong’s political trajectory. In November 2025, during a dispute over the Daejang-dong case appeal, Han had previously labeled Hong “a deserter who fled the party out of fear of the administration.”
The clash highlights the volatile internal dynamics of the conservative opposition as they navigate the criticism of Kim Boo-kyum’s support and the shifting alliances in the race for the Daegu mayoralty. With candidates from both major parties meeting for the first time, the political landscape remains uncertain.
The situation has further evolved as the campaign for Kim Boo-kyum expands, incorporating figures like Rep. Kwon Chil-seung and former Vice Mayor Chae Hong-ho to create a “unified camp” blending political and administrative expertise. Kim has also focused on regional development, suggesting that TK (Daegu-Gyeongbuk) integration is necessary to secure funding—potentially up to 10 trillion won—to compete with the development of Gwangju and Jeonnam, as noted in recent campaign statements.
