[Interview] Ryu Ho-jeong on 'Proxy Gaming Controversy': "I Will Work Hard for Game Workers"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Buaeri] Ryu Hojung, the Justice Party's number one proportional representation candidate who was embroiled in a proxy gaming controversy, said in an interview with Asia Economy, "There are not many lawmakers working for the gaming industry. I will show results."

Ryu, who attracted attention with her unique background as a game company employee and game BJ, which is rarely seen in Yeouido, faced difficulties when the proxy gaming controversy related to League of Legends (LoL) arose. The allegation was that in 2014, during her university days, Ryu allowed her boyfriend to use her LoL ID to unfairly inflate her gaming skills. Although Ryu issued an official apology, the controversy continued as suspicions arose that she benefited by listing the rank obtained through proxy gaming on her job application to a game company. The Justice Party held a national committee meeting on the 15th, heard Ryu's explanation, and decided to reaffirm their trust in her.

Right after the reaffirmation decision, her voice was slightly agitated during a phone interview. Ryu said, "I think I must continue to apologize for the proxy gaming," but added, "There was an account sharing issue at the time, and people misunderstand that I achieved results such as being a club president, broadcasting, employment, and participating in game competitions because of that, but that is not true."

Ryu expressed her determination to work for game workers if she enters the National Assembly. She explained, "I am focusing on workers, especially IT workers," and added, "In gaming, people are everything. Therefore, I believe the working environment for workers needs to be improved significantly." She continued, "The 52-hour workweek system is not properly established in the gaming industry, and there are tricks like not including work done in working hours," pointing out, "It is also difficult to monitor places without labor unions."

Ryu stated, "My first pledge is to institutionalize the abolition of the comprehensive wage system," explaining, "It is a major cause of long working hours. If abolition is not institutionalized, it will be difficult to abolish it in many places in the gaming industry where there are no labor unions."

Regarding criticisms that her career is too short to represent the gaming industry, Ryu said, "There were such concerns, but anyway, being a lawmaker is not about doing everything alone," and added, "There are capable people, and the party and party members exist, so I will show results."