On an anecdotal view, an unnamed representative of an electoral district in Seoul said that the general public mood against the Grand National Party was closely similar to political events in 2004, when former president Roh Moo-hyun was on the verge of being impeached.
[2] This October by-election is known to have a negative impact on the right wing political establishments in South Korea, notably Lee Myung-bak government and the Grand National Party.
[3] The youth faction of the GNP made a suggestion to rename the party to another name to avoid criticisms.
Former Prime Minister and current head of the Presidential Commission for Shared Growth for Large and Small Companies, Chung Un-chan, mentioned in the GNP Incheon branch seminar on November 17 how "the GNP doesn't receive any affection" and "would most likely lose the next presidential election".
[6] Hong's comment later triggered backlashes among other GNP members, including Won Hee-ryong.