Cha Myung-jin, Bucheon-si Byeong Division Committee Chairman of the Liberty Korea Party / Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Shinwon Yoon] The Sewol Ferry organization immediately demanded the resignation of Cha Myung-jin, the United Future Party candidate (Gyeonggi Bucheon-byeong), who has been embroiled in a controversy over offensive remarks.
On the 9th, the "April 16 Promise National Solidarity" (4·16 Solidarity) stated, "Cha Myung-jin repeatedly made insulting remarks toward the victims and bereaved families during the memorial periods of the Sewol Ferry disaster last year and this April," adding, "It is hard to believe there was no malice intended to spoil the memorial atmosphere and insult the families."
They continued, "The bereaved families who have lived with the sorrow of losing their children and relatives for six years feel especially deep wounds around this time," urging, "Cha Myung-jin, the 'offensive remarks candidate' who kills the Sewol Ferry victims twice, must resign immediately."
They also demanded the party immediately expel candidate Cha, saying, "The United Future Party condoned Cha Myung-jin's anti-human rights actions with a light punishment and endorsed him."
Candidate Cha said at a broadcast station's candidate invitation debate the day before, "I am aware of an article claiming that the Sewol Ferry bereaved families engaged in immoral acts with volunteers at the Gwanghwamun Sewol Ferry tent."
Kim Jong-in, the United Future Party's general election campaign committee chairman, ordered Cha's expulsion and issued a public apology.
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