"Political Interpretation Is a Bit Disappointing"... Kang Won-rae, Who Called for 'Last Place in Quarantine,' Eventually Apologizes After Criticism from Ruling Party Supporters

Supporters "Disability is not only in the lower body" harshly criticize
Kang Won-rae "Got emotional over self-employed difficulties... Sorry for causing concern"

Singer Kang Won-rae stated, "K-pop is the best, but quarantine measures are the worst," and faced criticism from ruling party supporters, eventually posting an apology. Photo by Kang Won-rae SNS capture.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] Kang Won-rae, a singer formerly of Clon, made a statement saying "K-pop is the best, but quarantine is the worst," which drew criticism from ruling party supporters, leading him to eventually post an apology.

On the 21st, Kang Won-rae posted on his Instagram, "I apologize for causing concern to the people of the Republic of Korea and the officials and medical staff who have worked hard on quarantine efforts," adding, "While discussing the difficulties faced by self-employed business owners, my emotions got heated, and I used the expression 'quarantine policy is the worst.' I apologize and hope for quarantine measures that include more compensation in the future."

He continued, "I am not a politician nor was I in a position supporting any particular party, so it is a bit disappointing that my remarks were interpreted politically."

On the 20th, Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People Party, met with self-employed workers in Itaewon, Seoul, where Kang Won-rae was criticized for saying, "K-pop is the best, but quarantine is the worst."
[Image source=Yonhap News]

The controversial remark was made the previous day during a meeting with merchants held by Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, in Itaewon, Seoul.

Kang Won-rae, who runs a pub in Itaewon, said, "K-pop is the best in the world, topping the Billboard charts, but Korea’s quarantine seems to be the worst in the world," criticizing the government’s quarantine standards as lacking fairness.

He added, "Because of the label of the entertainment industry, they impose moral standards like 'drinking water while socializing is okay, but drinking alcohol while socializing is not.' Most of these businesses open around 8 to 9 p.m., so if they are told to close by 9 p.m., it’s basically a business suspension."

He also said, "Just looking at the empty shops here breaks my heart. Saying 'You have to manage on your own' is not something that should be said."

After these remarks became known, some ruling party supporters openly criticized Kang Won-rae with comments mocking his disability, such as "The disability isn’t only in the lower body," "You probably don’t think you’re alive thanks to K-quarantine," and "Just because your legs stopped doesn’t mean your head should stop too," engaging in personal attacks.