[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun and Kim Hye-min] Kim Jong-in, the General Election Committee Chairman of the Future United Party, on the 9th criticized Cha Myung-jin, the Future United Party candidate for Bucheon City B district in Gyeonggi Province, for his 'Sewol Ferry remarks,' saying, "It is a level of words that a candidate of a public party should never utter," and promised to prevent recurrence while appealing for support.
Chairman Kim held a press conference at the National Assembly main building that morning and said, "It is truly regrettable that two candidates of the United Party spoke carelessly, disappointing and angering the people," expressing his apology.
Chairman Kim's apology came after Kim Dae-ho, the Future United Party candidate for Gwanak Gap district in Seoul, sparked controversy with remarks such as "The 30s and 40s generation are trapped in ignorance and delusion" and "Everyone becomes disabled as they age," followed by candidate Cha's derogatory comment at a debate that "Sewol Ferry victims' families engaged in immoral behavior."
He said, "I have instructed all candidates and party officials nationwide to be especially careful with their words and actions," emphasizing, "I can promise that such incidents will never happen again." He also dismissed calls within the party for a cautious approach regarding Cha's expulsion, saying, "This is not a matter of whether the words were appropriate or not."
Chairman Kim stated, "The party's behavior has been disappointing multiple times, and I even considered giving up, but the desperate voice of the people telling us to reverse the country's direction compelled me to stand before you again today," promising, "If you give the United Party one chance in this general election, I will ensure that you will never be disappointed again," pledging prevention of recurrence and support.
Earlier, Hwang Kyo-ahn, the Future United Party leader, also apologized on the night of the 8th during a YouTube broadcast, saying, "Before the broadcast, I would like to first offer my apology," and expressed, "As the party leader, I feel a heavy responsibility for the wrong remarks that caused great disappointment to many people yesterday and today." He added, "Especially, the remarks by candidate Cha Myung-jin are extremely inappropriate and reflect a wrong perception that cannot be justified by any explanation, and I would like to clearly state this here," and "I deeply apologize to those who may have felt emotional pain."
He continued, "From now on, I and all Future United Party candidates will ensure that such incidents never happen again. We will reflect on all our words and actions and promise to do so sincerely."
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