"Women Cheat, Men Drink Themselves to Death" Song Young-gil Apologizes for 'Gireogi Family' Derogatory Remarks Controversy

Song Young-gil, the newly appointed leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is holding his first press conference after taking office at the National Assembly on the 3rd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seoyoung Kwon] Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, apologized for remarks that sparked controversy over belittling 'gireogi families' (families separated due to children studying abroad).

Ko Yong-jin, chief spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea, stated this afternoon (7th) that Song Young-gil apologized for unintentionally causing hurt with inappropriate remarks about gireogi families while emphasizing the attraction of international schools.

On the 7th, Song visited the site for the establishment of Korea Electric Power Corporation University (KEPCO University). On that day, he said, "During my time as a re-elected lawmaker, I proposed to President Roh Moo-hyun that many Korean people send their children and wives to countries like Australia, the United States, and the Philippines just to learn English, resulting in families living apart. There have even been cases where husbands living alone died after drinking."

He also claimed, "Women having affairs have broken families, and the 'gireogi problem' has become a social issue." He continued, "So let's not go to the U.S. to learn English. Going to the U.S. does not automatically make you fluent in English," and "Wouldn't it be better to create an environment like the U.S. here? That was the proposal that led to the creation of Jeju International City," emphasizing the importance of establishing international schools.

Netizens showed mixed reactions to Song's remarks. Criticism included comments such as, "Does calling them gireogi families mean all those families are broken?" and "Weekend couples in Korea are no different from gireogi families sometimes, so I don't see how this relates to establishing international schools." On the other hand, some responded, "If you think about it, it's not wrong. Families should live together," "He was just honestly mentioning a realistic situation; interpreting it as belittlement is an exaggerated interpretation," and "Half of it is true, but better expressions could have been used."

Meanwhile, Hwang Gyu-han, senior deputy spokesperson for the People Power Party, criticized in a verbal statement, "Why use disparaging expressions about gireogi families while emphasizing the importance of foreign language schools?" and "Following inappropriate remarks during the New Zealand diplomat sexual harassment incident, he has once again hurt the hearts of the people," urging an apology.