Kim Jong-in "Apologies to the People for Candidate's Controversial Remarks... Please Give Another Chance" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun and Kim Hye-min] Kim Jong-in, the overall election committee chairman of the Future United Party, recently apologized for the controversial remarks made by party candidates, saying, "I am truly sorry for disappointing and angering the people." He appealed for another chance, promising that such incidents would never happen again.

On the morning of the 9th, Kim held a press conference at the National Assembly and said, "It is unacceptable for candidates of a political party to utter words that should never be spoken."

Kim’s apology came after Kim Dae-ho, the Seoul Gwanak-gap candidate, sparked controversy by saying, "The 30s and 40s generation is trapped in ignorance and delusion," and "Everyone becomes disabled as they age." Following this, Cha Myung-jin, the Gyeonggi Bucheon-si-byeong candidate, made derogatory remarks during a debate, claiming that "the Sewol ferry victims’ families engaged in immoral behavior."

Kim said, "I first want to apologize sincerely for the two Future United Party candidates who spoke carelessly and disappointed and angered the people," emphasizing, "This is not a matter of whether the words were appropriate or not."

He continued, "I have instructed all candidates and party officials nationwide to be especially careful with their words and actions. I promise that such incidents will never happen again," and appealed for support, saying, "If you give the Future United Party one more chance in this general election, we will make sure you will never be disappointed again."

Kim explained the reason for voluntarily holding the press conference, saying, "The party’s behavior has been disappointing several times, and I even briefly considered giving up altogether. However, since this is the last duty of my life and the people's voice to 'reverse the direction the country is heading' is so desperate, I have come before you again today."

He added, "There are now six days left until the general election. Since the fate of the country is at stake, I will do my best. Once again, I offer my sincere apologies."