Jo Su-jin's 'Hugung' Remark... Kim Geun-sik Says "Should Apologize for Excessive Expression"

So Joo-jin to Go Min-jung: "Even a concubine who bore a prince wouldn't have been treated like this"

Rep. So Su-jin of the People Power Party. [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] On the 27th, voices of criticism also emerged from the opposition regarding People Power Party lawmaker Jo Su-jin's comparison of Democratic Party lawmaker Go Min-jeong to a 'Joseon Dynasty concubine.'

Kim Geun-sik, professor at Gyeongnam National University and head of the People Power Party's Songpa-byeong district committee, who is running for Seoul mayor in the by-election, pointed out on his Facebook post that day, "Although they belong to the same party and are from the same region, lawmaker Jo's remarks this time were excessive."

He emphasized, "The biggest problem and commonality of the 'Daekkaemun' (a derogatory term for people who blindly support President Moon Jae-in) and the Taegeukgi Brigade is abusive language and ridicule," adding, "When pointing out the opponent's faults, it is effective and powerful to criticize 'severely and painfully' but 'gracefully and with dignity.'

He continued, "Did we not painfully experience the deepening alienation of the moderate voters in the metropolitan area due to the opposition's abusive language scandal at the end of the last general election?" and criticized, "No matter how much it is election season and how big the ruling party's mistakes are, there is a line that must not be crossed."

Professor Kim also said, "Even if you criticize the special treatment of Go Min-jeong, who is from the Blue House, the expression 'concubine who bore a prince' is clearly wrong," and directly stated, "Politics is the art of words, but politics can also be ruined by words. A sharp and witty remark does not mean abusive language."

He then urged lawmaker Jo, "I hope you apologize for the excessive expression and delete the post even now."

Finally, Professor Kim emphasized, "We must not be complacent just because the opposition's public opinion is favorable in the by-election. They have organization, resources, and budget," adding, "No mistakes until the day of victory."

Kim Geun-sik, Chairman of the People Power Party Songpa-byeong District Committee and Professor at Gyeongnam University. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, lawmaker Jo sparked controversy by saying to lawmaker Go the day before, "Even a concubine in the Joseon Dynasty who bore a prince would not have received such treatment."

He said on his Facebook, "Go Min-jeong, whom the Moon Jae-in government cherishes and loves, mocked former Mayor Oh Se-hoon, who competed in the April general election last year, saying he was 'not chosen by the residents of Seoul Gwangjin District.' It is utterly vulgar," making such remarks.

When controversy arose, lawmaker Jo posted again on Facebook, saying, "The person who made personal attacks and abusive remarks is Go Min-jeong," and demanded, "Apologize for the personal attacks and abusive remarks against former Mayor Oh."

He added, "When I criticized the personal attacks and abusive remarks, the Democratic Party distorted and launched a low-level offensive by nitpicking," criticizing, "It is like blaming the finger when pointing at the moon."