Woo Hee-jong "Jin Joong-kwon Drives Social Division... Encourages Factionalism"

"Hope to Catch Our Breath and Build a More Mature Society"

Woo Hee-jong, former leader of the Democratic Citizens' Party / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] Woo Hee-jong, former leader of the Deobureo Simindang, stated on the 1st that he hopes former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon would "refrain from expressions that incite factionalism if he wants to make a positive contribution to our society."

On that day, Woo posted on his Facebook, saying, "In any group, there are always extremists, moderates, mature people, and immature people," expressing this view.

He continued, "It is very regrettable that someone who should fully understand that their expressions contain errors of generalization and categorization uses divisive language to push their agenda."

He revealed a personal message he received, saying, "Isn't this kind of message shocking as well? However, I feel pity for the person who sent such messages that even mention my family, and I do not think this reflects the level of the United Future Party (Mitungdang) or the conservative camp."

The message Woo disclosed contained harsh expressions and insults such as "You are simply a red commie. Your family has been red commies for generations," and "A fraud and a pseudo, unqualified as a professor."

He added, "Speaking in the way Jin Joong-kwon does is not about the Democratic Party or the Mitungdang's level, but rather a confession of 'This is exactly my level,'" emphasizing, "Seeing it that way makes us, regardless of progressive or conservative, look very pathetic."

Finally, he added, "I hope Mr. Jin Joong-kwon takes a moment to calm down and contributes to making our society a more mature one."