[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seul-gi] Amid controversy over Professor Emeritus Il-byeong Lee of Yonsei University, husband of Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, traveling to the United States for the purpose of purchasing a yacht, former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon defended him on the 6th, saying, "I feel that this society's awareness and evaluation of the value of 'liberalism' is too weak."
On that day, former Professor Jin wrote on his Facebook, "I do not intend to defend Mr. Il-byeong Lee," and made the statement.
He added, "I was just uncomfortable with the thought that the government's attitude of denying individual constitutional rights under the pretext of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the attitude of interfering with individuals' private lives under the pretext of COVID-19, might be two branches growing from the same root."
He continued, "I think both sides take it for granted to sacrifice individual freedom and rights for the sake of communal interests."
Earlier, Professor Lee, husband of Minister Kang, traveled to the United States during the recent Chuseok holiday for the purpose of purchasing a yacht. This caused controversy as it violated the special travel advisory issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in March, recommending the cancellation or postponement of overseas travel to all countries and regions.
In response, Minister Kang stated, "I am continuously communicating with (my husband). My feelings are very complicated," expressing her regret.
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