Expulsion Following Controversy Over Derogatory Remarks on 30s-40s Generation and 'Everyone Becomes Disabled When They Age'
Voluntarily Holds Press Conference to Explain Intentions and Expresses Willingness to Appeal
[Asia Economy reporters Lee Ji-eun and Kim Hye-min] Kim Dae-ho, the United Future Party candidate for Seoul Gwanak-gu Gap, who sparked controversy over generational disparagement remarks such as "Everyone becomes disabled when they get old" and "People in their 30s and 40s are ignorant," has ultimately been expelled from the party. With the general election just 7 days away, the United Future Party appears to have quickly cut ties, fearing that his offensive remarks could influence moderate voters. This unprecedented move to expel a candidate so close to the election is the background behind this decision. Kim has opposed the decision and announced he will request a retrial.
The United Future Party Central Ethics Committee held a full meeting on the morning of the 8th and decided to expel Kim, stating that "he engaged in extremely harmful behavior to the party through inappropriate remarks during the election period."
On the 6th, during a Seoul regional campaign committee meeting, Kim sparked controversy for disparaging the 30s and 40s generation by saying, "People in their mid-30s and 40s are not logical but are engulfed in massive ignorance and delusion." Then, on the 7th, at a Gwanak Gap general election candidate debate held at a local Seoul broadcasting station, he made remarks that could be seen as disparaging to the elderly, saying, "Disabled people vary. Grade 1, grade 2, grade 3... Everyone becomes disabled as they get older."
In response, the United Future Party appears to have made the decision to expel him to prevent the "offensive remarks frame" from being attached ahead of the general election. Kim Jong-in, the overall election committee chairman, pointed out at a National Assembly press conference that morning, "The most important thing for a politician is words. One word can save or kill a person," adding, "I thought I would overlook the first day's verbal mistake, but he made almost the same mistake the next day."
Kim responded by saying he cannot accept the party's decision and will immediately request a retrial. At a press conference held in front of the Yeongdeungpo party office that morning, Kim said, "I understand the United Future Party Ethics Committee's decision, but I think it is a severely unfair measure," adding, "I will request a retrial within 10 days regarding the Ethics Committee's decision. If necessary, I may also file for an injunction." He also asked the Ethics Committee to reconsider.
While apologizing for his remarks, he explained that the "disparaging remarks" claim is not true. Regarding the controversy over disparaging the elderly, Kim said, "As can be seen from the full text of my remarks, my comments were not disparaging to the elderly but rather expressed respect and consideration for them," adding, "Regarding the phrase 'everyone becomes disabled when they get old,' which some media outlets took issue with, I confirmed through many elderly people that it is not an expression that causes humiliation. Is it humiliating to develop disabilities as one ages?" he questioned.
Regarding the disparaging remarks about the 30s and 40s generation, he apologized, saying, "Regardless of the actual content and intent of my remarks, it is clear that many people in their 30s and 40s were hurt." However, he explained, "When I made that statement, I was specifically referring to people who think all problems in South Korea are due to reactionary conservatives and Cold War vested interests, and I said they are engulfed in massive ignorance and delusion. If that had been understood, there would have been no problem," adding, "My intention was clearly that, but it seems the failure to specify caused the trouble."
Kim was formerly involved in progressive student and labor movements and previously ran as a Democratic Party candidate for the Gwanak Gap National Assembly seat. Later, he took a stance criticizing figures from the activist circles and, in 2014, contributed an article to the media stating that "the ruling on the reinstatement of Ssangyong Motor dismissed workers was wrong."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
