[Summary] "Why Are You Supporting Yoon Seok-yeol?" 'Naggomsu' Joo Jin-woo Faces Collective Criticism from 'Moonppa' Group

'Chinmun', 'Munppa' "Defending Joo Jin-woo and Yoon Seok-yeol" Criticized for House Price Issues
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Podcast host Joo Jin-woo, a member of 'Naneun Ggomsooda.' Recently, Joo has faced fierce criticism for making remarks defending Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol to supporters of President Moon Jae-in.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Joo Jin-woo, a journalist who broadcasts centered on the 'Pro-Moon (친문)' faction as a member of the podcast radio 'Naneun Ggomsuda' (NaGgomSu), is facing collective criticism from 'Pro-Moon' supporters and 'Moonppa' (a derogatory term for people who blindly support President Moon Jae-in). The reason is that he did not criticize Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol.

On the 26th of last month, on his KBS radio show 'Joo Jin-woo Live,' Joo said, "Organizations like People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy and progressive groups, as well as the Justice Party, are saying 'Isn't Minister Chu Mi-ae going too far?'" expressing a critical view of Minister Chu.

The following day, on the 27th, regarding the so-called 'Judges Surveillance Document,' he pointed out that "the document, which prosecutors claim is 'surveillance' information, is somewhat crude," emphasizing that there was no problem with the allegations of misconduct against Prosecutor General Yoon, which Minister Chu publicly criticized at a press conference.

As these remarks became known, criticism of Joo began mainly from 'Moonppa' and 'Pro-Moon' supporters. Ji, known as 'Whistleblower X,' who provided the recording file of Prosecutor Han Dong-hoon to 'MBC,' claimed on Facebook on the 29th of last month, "(Prosecutor General Yoon and Journalist Joo) have a relationship beyond friendship, one of love and obsession," and "They tried to use that power to secure a nomination for the general election and voluntarily acted as Yoon Seok-yeol's unofficial aide."

Ji further harshly criticized Joo Jin-woo, saying he was no longer a journalist. Ji stated, "(Joo Jin-woo) is no longer a journalist. He is a concealed Jin Joong-kwon within us, trying to build his own power." He also said, "I wish I could pretend not to see or know whatever someone like Joo Jin-woo does."

Podcast radio panelists of 'Naneun Kkomsuda': political commentator Kim Yong-min, Ddanzi Ilbo chief Kim Eo-jun, and SisaIN reporter Joo Jin-woo (from left)
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 2nd, Kim Yong-min, who has been with Joo since 2011 on 'NaGgomSu,' also joined the ranks of critics. Kim wrote on Facebook that day, "I once regarded A like family and vowed to fight with everything I had against any attempt to harm him, but now it seems a very harsh time of decision has come for me."

He added, "I was seriously betrayed by A, and even now, just thinking about it fills me with anger." Although Kim did not mention Joo Jin-woo by name, netizens are interpreting the circumstances as targeting Joo.

Supporters of President Moon Jae-in continue to strongly criticize Joo. One supporter said, "It seems he recently changed his attitude. Behind this appears to be trust in the prosecution led by Yoon Seok-yeol, who investigated former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye," raising suspicions about the relationship between Joo and Prosecutor General Yoon.

Another supporter exclaimed, "Weren't Prosecutor General Yoon and Journalist Joo the best partners? One thing is certain: both are targets for reform." Another supporter also pointed out, "Isn't this a betrayal by the top progressive speaker?" and added, "Come to think of it, he hasn't said much about Prosecutor General Yoon's mother-in-law and others."

Meanwhile, this situation is also pointed out as a characteristic of the 'Pro-Moon' faction. Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon criticized on his Facebook that day, "Joo the journalist? Joo Jin-woo seems to be becoming the Park Heon-young of the Pro-Moon camp," and said, "Just as Kim Il-sung blamed Park Heon-young for the failure of the North Korean invasion, now that the prosecution's incursion has failed, they seem to be trying to pin the blame on Joo Jin-woo." He added, "This always happens in totalitarian groups," and "They make a fuss. Anyway, let's see what charges they will pin on Joo Jin-woo this time."