"Treating the People Like Commoners... A Prompt Apology Is Needed"
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] On the 12th, Jang Je-won, a member of the People Power Party, criticized Kim Jong-in, the Emergency Committee Chairman, for his remark regarding the '20,000 KRW nationwide communication fee payment,' saying, “Once the people get a taste of government money, they do not want to let go,” calling it “too shocking no matter how much one tries to understand.”
On the same day, Jang said on Facebook, “Are the people parasites? How can you do politics while treating our people as ‘cheonmin (賤民)’ who are only tamed by the taste of government money?” He added, “This is a retrogressive perception that those in power can tame the people.”
Jang pointed out, “This statement comes from a highly authoritarian idea that views the people not as subjects to serve but as objects to discipline. It is a feudalistic mindset dividing rulers and the ruled,” and questioned, “Isn’t the party’s operation so far also based on this perception?”
He emphasized, “Using the taxes paid by the people and returning them to the people is neither charity nor benevolence. It is a natural right for the owners of the state to receive help from the state,” adding, “The people are not subjects to be tamed but the source of power that can tame and overthrow those in power, which must not be forgotten.”
Jang said, “The taste of money is what the government sees with the taxes paid by the people. How can the People Power Party be spoken of with such a perception that the people who have worked hard and sincerely filled the nation’s treasury are those who have tasted government money?” He concluded, “Chairman Kim should clearly explain the true intention of his remarks to the people, politely seek their understanding, and promptly apologize.”
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