Chosun Ilbo, Controversy Over 25-Year-Old Blue House Secretary Using Room Salon Slang... Political Circles "Beyond Shock to Anger"

Chosun Ilbo on its SNS: "Why not create a 0.5-level too?"
Jung Sye-kyun: "Are you trying to sink to Ilbe level?"

Photo by Chosun Ilbo Official Facebook Screen Capture.

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Following the controversy over the Chosun Ilbo attaching illustrations of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk and his daughter Cho Min to an article related to prostitution, it has recently drawn criticism for using the term 'jjeom-o-geup' in relation to the appointment of Park Seongmin as the Blue House Youth Secretary. 'Jjeom-o-geup' is known as slang used in room salons. As the controversy grew, the post in question has since been deleted.

Earlier, on the 23rd, the Chosun Ilbo conveyed the anger of young people over Park’s appointment through its social media service (SNS), writing, "Why not just create a jjeom-o-geup?" 'Jjeom-o-geup' is slang referring to entertainment establishments with a 15% level, which is below the 10% level known as Tenpro (10%) in nightlife venues.

This sparked a series of criticisms in the political sphere. Former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun sharply criticized on his Facebook, saying, "Chosun Ilbo, are you really trying to degrade to the level of Ilbe?"

He pointed out, "A few days ago, Chosun Ilbo cleverly edited illustrations of former Minister Cho and his children in an article related to prostitution, and then through its official Twitter account, used the room salon slang 'jjeom-o-geup' regarding the Blue House secretary appointment, sending a message close to sexual harassment."

He added, "This is habitual and a very malicious intent that abandons the objectivity and dignity that the media must uphold. I am beyond shocked; I am angry. This is not something to be brushed off with a simple apology."

Furthermore, former Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "The circumstances leading to the posting of hateful content must be clarified, and thorough accountability must be demanded from those involved. Media reform must be carried out. I will strongly push for the introduction of a 'punitive damages system' for the restoration of healthy media."

Democratic Party lawmaker Han Junho also wrote on his Facebook, "Using slang like 'jjeom-o'?which is only used in places like room salons?towards a 25-year-old youth? This is sexual violence. The media outlet lacks qualifications. How many times has this happened in just one day? At this rate, the media company should be shut down."

Kim Seonghoe, spokesperson for the Open Democratic Party, also criticized the expression 'jjeom-o-geup,' saying, "It is an insult that cannot be made to a female university student or to the Blue House Youth Secretary." He continued, "Stop it. Have some shame. You should also raise your voice against such severe insults toward women even within your company."