Hong Joon-pyo Blames Criticism of His Tenure on Local Politicians' 'Incompetence and Laziness'

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo expressed his displeasure over criticism from local political circles during his tenure, stating, "I struggled hard, but there was no way."

On Facebook, the former mayor emphasized his principles during his term. He highlighted his emphasis on private management and fiscal principles while serving as Gyeongnam Provincial Governor and Daegu Mayor, and pointed to the incompetence and laziness of local politicians as the cause of Daegu's long-term economic stagnation. He claimed that local politicians failed to properly reform the industrial structure during the decline of the textile industry 30 years ago, criticizing them as individuals who 'only held their positions and did nothing.'

He further stated that after failing in his presidential bid, he supported Kim Boo-kyum for Daegu's next 100 years, and in response to those holding him accountable, he lambasted them as "You who don't know how to work and have empty heads." He also pointed to recent local political circles' objections to the semiconductor investment announcement as 'self-inflicted,' warning them to "Stop being a Galapagos any longer" before concluding his post.