Former Hwang Kyo-ahn, former leader of the United Future Party (currently People Power Party). [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] On the 21st, former Future United Party (now People Power Party) leader Hwang Kyo-ahn responded to former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon, who said "Being idle is patriotism," by saying, "We cannot just be idle."
Former leader Hwang wrote on his Facebook that day, "I have carefully read Professor Jin's sincere advice. I am grateful and will listen attentively. I believe that the heart to serve the country is no different between the professor and me," he said.
He added, "There are too many neighbors suffering everywhere. My hope is to give even a small hope for the future to these people," and said, "Among those who talk about difficulties, the ones I care most about are our youth."
He continued, "They desperately hoped for 'fairness,' but under the Moon Jae-in administration, such hopes were nothing but a luxury," pointing out, "The employment crisis and housing problems have gone beyond what young individuals can overcome by their own efforts."
He also criticized, saying, "There are too many young people who chose building resumes and part-time jobs instead of campus romance," and "It has become nearly impossible to 'own a home' through labor income. This is clearly a betrayal by society."
Former leader Hwang said, "Seeing people 'pulling out all stops' (Younggeul) and 'borrowing to invest' (Bittou) in the stock and coin frenzy, I sincerely feel sorry for the way of life enduring in a competitive society," and added, "The spreading news of 'youth lonely deaths' breaks my heart."
Furthermore, he emphasized, "I cannot ignore these people and live thinking that 'being idle' is patriotism," and said, "Although I cannot compare to what I received from my seniors, I will do my best to repay the younger generation of youth in any way possible."
Earlier, on the 19th, former leader Hwang appeared on MBN's 'Pandora' and, when asked about his political comeback, replied, "I am envisioning the future direction of our country."
He added, "I think our country is heading toward a period of division. I thought this should not happen. I am thinking that I should play a role in taking care of the country, the people, and their livelihoods in any form."
In response, former professor Jin directly criticized on his Facebook, saying, "Is there anyone else who can be patriotic just by being idle besides him?"
He further criticized Hwang's actions, asking, "Why do you insist on refusing that privilege?"
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