Future United Party Moves to Contain 'Offensive Remarks' Controversy... Where Is the Shaken Centrist Vote Heading?

Kim Jong-in and Hwang Kyo-ahn Apologize Directly... "We Will Prevent Recurrence"
Experts Say "Offensive Remarks Remind of Old Saenuri Party, Affecting Seoul Metropolitan Voter Sentiment"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Lee Ji-eun and Kim Hye-min] Kim Jong-in, the general election campaign committee chairman of the United Future Party, recently issued an official apology on the 9th regarding the series of controversial remarks made by party candidates, saying, "I am truly sorry for disappointing the people." The day before, Hwang Kyo-ahn, the leader of the United Future Party, also apologized on a YouTube broadcast, stating, "Before the broadcast, I would like to offer my apology first," and "I deeply apologize to those who may have felt emotional pain." This comes amid concerns that the ongoing controversial remarks by party candidates could sway moderate voters just a week before the general election.

On the morning of the same day, Kim held a press conference at the National Assembly and apologized, saying, "A candidate for the National Assembly from a public party uttered words that should never be spoken." Kim’s apology followed the continued verbal misconduct incidents involving Kim Dae-ho, the candidate for Seoul Gwanak-gap, and Cha Myung-jin, the candidate for Gyeonggi Bucheon-si-byeong.

Previously, candidate Kim sparked controversy by saying, "The 30s and 40s generation are trapped in ignorance and delusion," and "Everyone becomes disabled as they age," leading the United Future Party to hold an emergency supreme council meeting the day before and unanimously decide to expel him. Subsequently, candidate Cha caused another uproar during a debate by claiming, "The Sewol ferry victims’ families engaged in immoral acts."

Kim appealed for support, saying, "If you give the United Future Party one more chance, we will ensure that you will never be disappointed again," and expressed his intention to expel any candidate involved in further controversial remarks. Kim’s swift move to contain the situation reflects concerns about the impact of these remarks as the April 15 general election approaches.

Especially in fiercely contested districts where the margin of victory can be just a few hundred votes, such verbal misconduct incidents are likely to act as decisive negative factors. Experts also predict that the last-minute controversies will influence the election outcome. Professor Lee Jong-hoon of Myongji University said, "Although Kim apologized for the United Future Party’s 'series of verbal missteps,' it is uncertain whether this will be enough to recover. The Moon Jae-in administration has managed the COVID-19 situation well, but the election was already difficult, and now with the verbal controversies, it’s a case of adding insult to injury." Political commentator Dr. Yoo Chang-sun also noted, "It seems likely to affect the undecided voters in the metropolitan area," and added, "It reminds people of the past days of the Saenuri Party and will further damage the conservative party’s image."