Justice Party, Democratic Party's Second Faction Again?…Sim Sang-jung's 'Condolence Refusal' Apology Fallout

Sim Sang-jung "Apologizes as Representative if Mourning Emotions Caused Hurt"
Justice Party "Our Position Includes Both Park Won-soon Mourning and Protecting Victims"
Jin Joong-kwon "Progressive Politics Needs Generational Change... Trust Young People's Sensibility and Hand Over Leadership"
Ryu Ho-jeong & Jang Hye-young Face Party Members' Protest Resignations Over 'Refusal to Pay Condolences' Controversy

Sim Sang-jung, Leader of the Justice Party Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] The Justice Party apologized on the 14th for the controversy over refusing to pay respects to the late Park Won-soon, former mayor of Seoul, which has sparked another conflict. Some argue that it is natural to refuse to pay respects to the former mayor, who is accused of sexual crimes, while others believe that considering the mayor's achievements, it is possible to pay respects. Jin Joong-kwon, a former professor at Dongyang University and a former member of the Justice Party, pointed out the need for a generational change in progressive politics.

Sim Sang-jung, leader of the Justice Party, said regarding the controversy that arose when party members Ryu Ho-jeong and Jang Hye-young announced they would not pay respects at Mayor Park's funeral, "If the messages from the two lawmakers hurt the mourning feelings of the bereaved family and citizens, I sincerely apologize as the party leader."

At the Justice Party's parliamentary meeting that morning, Sim said, "Lawmakers Ryu Ho-jeong and Jang Hye-young placed emphasis on expressing firm solidarity with the victim amid concerns over intensified secondary harm toward the victim related to the sexual harassment allegations against Mayor Park."

He added, "During the mourning period, the Justice Party reflected on the deceased's public achievements, and current and former lawmakers, including myself, paid respects and prayed for his repose," and "At the same time, we clearly stated our position that the victim should not suffer further pain."

He emphasized, "Our position, both mine and the Justice Party's, is that expressing condolences during the funeral period and showing solidarity with the victim are not mutually exclusive."

He continued, "Given the significant social controversy, there is also intense debate within the party. As a party that has always led social change, I believe that fierce internal discussions are part of the Justice Party becoming stronger and more mature," and "As party leader, I will take serious responsibility to ensure this controversy becomes an opportunity for the party's change, innovation, and growth, and that it does not remain confined within the party but leads to societal change by communicating and debating with party members."

He added, "Now is the time for truth and solidarity. Our society must respond so that the victim's pain and suffering do not end with their own outcry," and "I also urge all political parties to urgently enact laws to prevent secondary damage from sexual violence and sexual harassment," raising his voice.

The portrait of the late Park Won-soon, Mayor of Seoul, is arriving at Seoul City Hall on the morning of the 13th, where the funeral ceremony is being held. [Image source=Yonhap News]

However, there is much noise over Sim's apology. On the same day, former professor Jin posted on his Facebook, "I throw away the last shred of trust I had in this person," and criticized, "When they were ousted after being the Democratic Party's second fiddle, they already showed limits in political judgment. How soon after that incident do they repeat the same mistake?"

He continued, "Progressive politics needs a generational change. It would be better to trust the sensibilities of young people and hand over the party's leadership to them," repeatedly voicing criticism.

While Jin's criticism continues, opinions among ordinary citizens are divided.

A man in his 30s, who identified himself as a Justice Party supporter, said, "In the past, the Justice Party suffered criticism for being the Democratic Party's second fiddle," and added, "I thought they finally showed a clear stance in this Park Won-soon condolence issue, but they have returned to being the Democratic Party again." He pointed out, "The reason for paying respects is to highly evaluate Park Won-soon's achievements and pay respects despite the sexual crime allegations, but if a criminal has many past achievements, does that mean they are forgiven? Who is responsible for the wounds the accuser will suffer?"

As A pointed out, the Justice Party was criticized as the "Democratic Party's second fiddle" last year when it expressed views similar to the Democratic Party during the 'Cho Kuk, former Minister of Justice, incident' and defended Cho. Because of this, public attention was focused on whether the Justice Party could shed the "Democratic Party's second fiddle" label through the Park Won-soon condolence controversy.

A job seeker in their late 20s said, "The Justice Party's stance gave people who thought 'Of course, we should pay respects because Park Won-soon was the mayor of Seoul' something else to think about, which is positive," and emphasized, "Above all, the choice and decision for the victim was typical of the Justice Party." However, they questioned, "But now that Sim apologized, there is no difference from the Democratic Party. I want to ask if this is the Justice Party or the Democratic Party."

On the other hand, there are opinions that understand Sim's apology. A man in his 30s said, "It feels excessive to refuse to pay respects while the investigation is still ongoing," and added, "If it turns out that Mayor Park actually committed sexual harassment, then it would be appropriate to issue a critical statement."

Another man in his 40s also emphasized, "I think we should consider Mayor Park Won-soon's achievements," and "At the very least, it is right to pay respects."

Photo by Ryu Hojung Facebook capture

Earlier on the 10th, Lawmaker Ryu posted on her Facebook, "I do not intend to pay respects (to Mayor Park)," expressing support for the victim.

On the same day, Lawmaker Jang also comforted the victim through her Facebook, saying, "I cannot mourn as if nothing happened. What must be done unprecedentedly is a thorough investigation into sexual violence by high-ranking officials abusing their power, not the mayor of Seoul."

As the two lawmakers publicly announced they would not pay respects due to concerns over secondary harm to the former secretary who accused Mayor Park of sexual harassment, Justice Party members continued to resign in protest.

At that time, the Justice Party members' bulletin board was flooded with critical comments such as "I withdraw my 30-year support for the Justice Party!," "Lawmaker Ryu Ho-jeong has become a burden for the Justice Party," "No qualification as a public party," and "Leaving my first political party in life..."

Regarding the members' resignations, former professor Jin posted on his Facebook, "No need to stop resignations. Those who originally wanted to go to the Democratic Party just happened to be in the Justice Party," and urged, "This is a chance to clearly define our color as a progressive party and accept new progressive members."

As the controversy grew, the Justice Party stated regarding the Park Won-soon condolence controversy, "We will take both measures: paying respects to Mayor Park and protecting the victim. This is our official position."