"Isn't it the People's Cancer?" Pro-Moon Supporters Defend Lee Jae-myung's 'Gukmin-ui-jim' Remark

Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung is responding to questions from lawmakers during the National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee's audit of Gyeonggi Province held at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Office in Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do on the 20th.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung's remark calling the main opposition party, the People Power Party, 'Gukmin-uijim' (a pun meaning 'People's Burden') sparked controversy in political circles. However, hardline supporters of the Democratic Party of Korea defended Lee's statement by referring to the party as 'Gukmin-uibyeong' (People's Militia), 'Gukmin-uieom' (People's Cancer), and 'Gukmin-uijim'.

Earlier, on the 18th, Lee posted on his Facebook, saying, "A certain member of the National Assembly from the People Power Party and conservative media criticized me for spending twice as much on promotional expenses as Nam Kyung-pil and for allocating 43% of the budget to promoting the local currency basic income policy," adding, "Because they are engrossed in slander and agitation, the People Power Party is mocked not as 'People Power' but as 'Gukmin-uijim' (People's Burden)."

The opposition party demanded an apology over Lee's remarks. On the 20th, during the National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee's audit of Gyeonggi Province, Park Sung-min, a People Power Party lawmaker, pointed out the province's promotional budget issue and said, "You recently called the People Power Party 'Gukmin-uijim.' Isn't that too political? It is inappropriate to refer to the main opposition party, 'People Power,' as 'Gukmin-uijim'."

In response, Lee explained, "I advised that it is not appropriate to act in a way that would earn such a nickname ('Gukmin-uijim')."

Park pressed further, "Are you in a position to criticize the National Assembly and its members? Such expressions should not be used," to which Lee replied, "As a citizen, I believe I am in such a position. I hope 'Gukmin-uijim' truly does not become a reality."

Following this, Lee Heon-seung, head of the People Power Party's audit team, stated, "Damaging or mocking one's own party is to be avoided. Using the name of the main opposition party in such a manner is inappropriate for a public figure and a detainee," urging, "I hope he apologizes sincerely." However, Lee Jae-myung responded, "Since it is the audit team leader's opinion, I will think about it deeply."

Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung adjusts his glasses during the National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee's audit of Gyeonggi Province held at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Office in Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do on the 20th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

In this context, hardline Democratic Party supporters came to Lee's defense. One Democratic supporter wrote online, "Gukmin-uijim? How can you say that so lightly? There is also 'Gukmin-uieom' (People's Cancer), 'Gukmin-uidon' (People's Money), and 'Gukmin-uibyeong' (People's Militia)... Anyway, holding back what you want to say causes illness. Well done."

Another Democratic supporter said, "They get all worked up and act crazy just because someone says that. Governor Lee did very well," defending Lee's use of 'Gukmin-uijim.' Another supporter added, "I have a word for the governor. It must be hard to lead the provincial administration, so just leave the 'Gukmin-uijim' group alone."

Meanwhile, at the audit session that day, Lee expressed regret over the political dispute surrounding his remarks, aiming to put an end to the controversy.

Democratic Party lawmaker Park Sang-hyuk gave Lee time, saying, "Please share your thoughts on the audit and balanced development."

Lee responded to the audit team leader, "No matter how much I think about it, I have never launched a preemptive attack on the opposition. Since they attack, I have to explain. I ask for your understanding."

Park Sung-min, a member of the People Power Party, is speaking at the National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee's audit of Gyeonggi Province on the 20th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Following Lee's remarks, Park Sung-min of the People Power Party criticized during a procedural speech, "You are making overly biased statements. The ruling party lawmakers had enough time, but giving time for explanations and proceeding like this makes it impossible to conduct the audit."

Park also said, "Fundamentally, Lee should organize his skeptical views on the audit and the value of the main opposition party's existence and speak accordingly. We cannot proceed with the audit in this state."

Kim Eun-hye, also from the same party, urged, "You cannot conduct the audit if you speak about the opposition like this. Please clarify your position and apologize to your fellow lawmakers."

Additionally, Lee Heon-seung, head of the audit team, said, "As the party secretaries said, it is inappropriate for the governor to repeatedly use the party name in this way. We expect a statement of regret."

In response, Lee said, "Apologies come from the heart. My words were meant in good faith, hoping it would not happen. However, I regret that listeners might perceive it differently and feel hurt."