Incheon Suddenly Labeled a 'Chon-guseok'... United Future Party Candidate Jeong Seung-yeon Sparks Controversy with Incheon Derogatory Remarks

Criticism of Inappropriate Remarks in a City of 3 Million
Candidate Jeong Apologizes, Saying It Was a Compliment Meant as 'Modesty' and Expresses Regret to Local Residents

On the 31st, Jeong Seung-yeon, the Future United Party candidate for Incheon Yeonsu Gap, sparked controversy by referring to Incheon as a "chon-guseok" (backwater) during an event with Assemblyman Yoo Seung-min. [OBS screen capture]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] Regional disparaging remarks that appear every election season have caused trouble again.

In the April 15 general election, Jeong Seung-yeon (53), the United Future Party candidate running in Yeonsu-gap, Incheon, sparked controversy by calling Incheon a "chon-guseok" (remote village corner).

On the afternoon of the 31st, while introducing Assemblyman Yoo Seung-min who visited his campaign office, Jeong said, "I am grateful that Assemblyman Yoo, whom I respect, visited even the remote village corner of Incheon."

"Chon-guseok" refers to a remote, secluded village area far from the city. Incheon, the third largest metropolitan city in Korea with a population exceeding 3 million after Seoul and Busan, and home to the Songdo, Yeongjong, and Cheongna international cities designated as free economic zones, is an inappropriate place to use such a term.

Seemingly aware of Jeong's remark, Assemblyman Yoo laughed and asked, "How can Incheon be a village?" However, Jeong did not correct his statement and instead greeted, "I thank the fans and supporters of Assemblyman Yoo who came to visit."

After Jeong's remark became known, netizens criticized him with comments such as, "Why run for National Assembly from a remote village corner?", "Is a metropolitan city a village?", "Suddenly turned an international city into a remote village corner," and "As a native born and raised in Incheon, I feel offended."

On the other hand, some opinions argued that Jeong's remark was not problematic at all, saying, "It was a humble remark to thank Assemblyman Yoo," and "He was trying to lower himself and elevate the other person, so why pick a fight?"

As the remark caused controversy, Jeong issued an apology statement.

He said, "First, I sincerely apologize to the residents of Yeonsu-gu who were concerned," and added, "I am sorry to those who were hurt by my words 'Incheon chon-guseok.'"

He further explained, "This remark originated as a humble compliment on the visit of Assemblyman Yoo Seung-min, who served as a party leader," and "As the old saying goes, when a guest visits a house, it is customary to say 'Thank you for visiting this humble place.' It was a virtue-based greeting to a guest who visited my hometown."

Jeong, a professor at Inha University Business School, ran as a Saenuri Party candidate in the 20th general election but lost narrowly by 214 votes to Democratic Party candidate Park Chan-dae. He is facing Park again in this election.

This is not the first time the United Future Party has made disparaging remarks about Incheon.

The predecessor of the United Future Party, the Liberty Korea Party, faced backlash over the so-called "Ibu Mangcheon" remark ahead of the 2018 local elections.

At that time, Assemblyman Jeong Tae-ok appeared on a broadcast and said, "People from Seoul who live well in places like Mok-dong, Yangcheon-gu, after a divorce, move to Bucheon. If living in Bucheon becomes difficult, they move to areas like Jung-gu or Nam-gu (now Michuhol-gu) in Incheon," which angered citizens of Incheon and Bucheon.

Following the controversy, he voluntarily left the Liberty Korea Party but rejoined in January last year.

Meanwhile, Hyun Geun-taek, spokesperson for the Democratic Party's election committee, said in a briefing that day, "(Calling Incheon a 'chon-guseok') is the second 'Ibu Mangcheon' remark," and criticized, "Is someone who introduces Incheon with the disparaging term 'chon-guseok,' which belittles rural areas, qualified to represent Incheon citizens?"

Spokesperson Hyun pointed out, "Jeong explained that it was a humble compliment, but if a humble remark unconsciously belittles his own electoral district as a 'chon-guseok,' I want to ask if he does not think this is even more problematic."