Jin Joong-kwon: "Pro-Government Groups and Media Are Fanatical... Should Create and Award a 'Democratic Pro-Government Award'"

Former Dongyang University Professor Jin Joong-kwon. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon mocked pro-government groups and media on the 25th, suggesting, "How about establishing a 'Democratic Loyalist Award' to decide the winners?"

On the same day, Jin wrote on his Facebook, "These days, pro-government organizations and media are going wild. Since when did everyone become so strange?"

He pointed out, "There was some bias in the past as well," adding, "Maybe because they gained military power and got close to vested interests, nowadays both organizations and media are blatantly partisan as if competing for loyalty."

He continued, "To my recollection, media criticism civic groups were the first to become loyalists," and said, "The so-called media criticism programs on public broadcasting are at a comedy level. They bring in immature kids who spout half-baked nonsense."

He added, "The People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy (PSPD) is also seriously acting like loyalists these days. They claim to monitor the judiciary but defend Cho Kuk with illogical arguments," and "They say nothing about the blatant obstruction of investigations by those in power and just play around."

Furthermore, he said, "Women's organizations are the same. When such issues arise, shouldn't women's groups stand with the grandmothers and urge Justice Network to clarify everything transparently?" but "Instead, 34 women's groups form a scrum before even grasping the facts and defend the ruling party's elected officials."

He then sarcastically suggested, "How about establishing a 'Democratic Loyalist Award' to honor their efforts?" and explained, "At the end of the year, like the Academy Awards, we could receive nominations, conduct strict evaluations, promote candidates, and decide winners by voting," adding, "Let's make a trophy too. In the shape of a back scratcher, meaning to scratch the leader's itchy spots."