[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] On the 9th, Kim Nam-guk, the Democratic Party candidate running for Danwon, Ansan, called for an apology from candidate Cha Myung-jin, who made abusive remarks toward the Sewol ferry victims' families, and Hwang Kyo-ahn, the leader of the United Future Party, saying, "I am ashamed to be living in this era with someone like candidate Cha."
On the same day, Kim posted on his Facebook, "It is heartbreaking. It is utterly difficult to understand. As many know, I am running in Danwon, Ansan, a place that holds the pain of the Sewol ferry disaster. Even though six years have passed, the pain of the victims' families has not yet healed because a full investigation and punishment of those responsible have not been carried out," he said.
He added, "Last year, ahead of the 5th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster, candidate Cha made unbearable abusive remarks that deepened the wounds of the victims' families, yet the United Future Party gave him a nomination without any sense of problem, causing controversy. Now, ahead of the 6th anniversary, candidate Cha has once again made abusive remarks. Does candidate Cha have no sense of community at all? The phrase 'heartless and cruel' naturally comes to mind," he repeatedly criticized.
He continued, "Candidate Cha's remarks are so low-level that I cannot even quote them," emphasizing, "The Sewol families live with pain that cannot be expressed in words for their entire lives, so I hope at least the minimum courtesy as members of the community is observed."
Kim also said, "The United Future Party, quickly realizing the seriousness of the incident, reportedly decided to expel candidate Cha like cutting off a lizard's tail. But it is too late," adding, "Candidate Cha should kneel and apologize in front of the Sewol victims' families. Also, the United Future Party and leader Hwang Kyo-ahn, who gave a nomination to such a low-level and character-lacking candidate without any sense of problem, should kneel and apologize with tears before the Sewol families and the public."
Earlier, on the previous day, candidate Cha said at an OBS-hosted candidate invitation debate, "Do you know about the ○○○ incident?" and "There is already an (internet media) article stating that in May 2018, Sewol ferry volunteers and victims' families engaged in indecent acts inside a tent that cannot be expressed in words."
When the remarks caused controversy, candidate Cha rebutted on his Facebook, "Those who see me as a thorn in their side are slandering me again by framing me with abusive remarks without properly understanding the facts."
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