WSJ on Taeyongho's Election: "Gangnam Style Democracy"

"Lessons on Democracy"

On the 16th, Tae Gumin (Tae Young-ho), a candidate from the United Future Party running in Gangnam-gap, Seoul, was shedding tears while expressing his feelings after his victory was confirmed at the Gangnam-gu campaign office.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) in the United States evaluated the election of Taegumin (Taeyongho), a defector from North Korea and a candidate of the United Future Party, in South Korea's 21st National Assembly election held on the 15th, as "providing a lesson on democracy."

On the 18th (local time), WSJ stated in an editorial titled "Democracy, Gangnam Style," "While North Korea's Kim Jong-un was busy with missile tests this week, another North Korean made news in South Korea."

The editorial carried the subtitle "Defectors provide a lesson on democracy" and noted, "He was the first North Korean defector to be elected in a South Korean constituency."

Although foreign media reports highlighting Ta's unique background followed, it is unusual for a major U.S. media outlet to cover this on its editorial page.

WSJ is considered a media outlet representing a conservative hardline stance in U.S. diplomacy, including North Korea policy.

WSJ described the constituency where Taegumin was elected as "the sophisticated Gangnam district of Seoul," adding, "If you think you have heard the name before, you are probably one of the 3.5 billion people who have watched the 'Gangnam Style' music video on YouTube."

WSJ also mentioned Jiseongho, another defector who was elected through proportional representation. WSJ introduced him as "well known in the U.S. for raising his crutches during President Donald Trump's 2018 State of the Union address."

WSJ explained, "Both belong to the conservative party that lost to the ruling party in this election and pledge a hardline policy toward North Korea."

WSJ reported, "The affluent lifestyle depicted in the Gangnam Style video is beyond the interest of most North Korean residents, except for a small group around the Kim family," adding, "Most North Koreans are struggling to feed themselves and their families."

It further stated, "Taeyongho has often said he believes North Korean residents will rise against the regime," and "If that happens, Taeyongho and Jiseongho could help their former compatriots understand democracy."

Meanwhile, after Ta's entry into the National Assembly was confirmed, North Korea criticized Gangnam as a "den of corruption" through its external propaganda media.

On the 17th, Meori stated, "Here (Gangnam-gu), various entertainment facilities and brothels soaked in corrupt and decadent lifestyles are openly operating," and "The wealthy openly engage in gambling and drugs, and even the police turn a blind eye out of caution," criticizing the area.

Meori also reported, "Choi Soon-sil, the main culprit of the 'Park Geun-hye, Choi Soon-sil scandal' that shocked South Korean society four years ago, lived a dissolute life here while controlling privileged groups and Park Geun-hye."

The report did not mention Taegumin's real name or refer to the general election. However, considering the timing of the report and the target of criticism (at the local government level), it appears to reflect North Korea's displeasure at Ta's entry into the National Assembly.