The Moon Administration Severely Criticized... Only 'Doridori' and 'Julie' Remain for Yoon [Han Seung-gon's Political Notebook]

Yoon Seok-yeol "We Must Create a Country Where the People Are the True Owners"
Following Political Declaration, 'Doridori' and 'Julie' Followed

Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, a leading opposition presidential candidate, visited the National Assembly Communication Office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 30th of last month. After greeting reporters and others, he is seen leaving.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "Dori-dori Yoon, isn't it?," "What is Julie again?"

Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol harshly criticized the Moon Jae-in administration and declared his candidacy for the presidential election. In his declaration, he said he would restore liberal democracy, the rule of law, and fairness, but currently in the political sphere, only 'Dori-dori Seok-yeol' and 'Julie' remain.

On the 29th of last month, Yoon officially announced his presidential candidacy at the 'Maeheon Yun Bong-gil Memorial Hall' in Yangjae-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul. On that day, Yoon directly targeted the Moon Jae-in administration, strongly criticizing it using words such as 'populism close to vote-buying,' 'shameless behavior,' and 'plunder.'

He said, "Even if nine out of ten thoughts differ, all those who share one thought?that the regime must be changed to normalize the country and make the people the true owners?must unite their strength."

However, his presidential candidacy press conference received harsh criticism. Although he directly attacked President Moon and criticized the current government, there were pointed remarks that he practically had no pledges or vision of his own.

Moreover, there is even mockery calling him 'Dori-dori Yoon Seok-yeol.' 'Dori-dori' refers to the act of turning his head side to side during his candidacy speech. Some say he shakes his head excessively.

In this situation, with 'Julie' added, some believe that the reason for Yoon's candidacy declaration is being diluted. 'Julie' refers to the claim that Yoon's wife, Kim Geon-hee, worked at a nightlife establishment and used the stage name 'Julie' at that time.

Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol and his wife Kim Geon-hee attending the Prosecutor General Appointment Certificate Ceremony held at the Blue House Main Building on July 25, 2019. Photo by Yonhap News

Regarding this, Kim said in an interview with the online media 'News Bus,' "I am called Julie, or a hostess at some hotel, and all sorts of stories come out, but it's an outrageous story."

She directly refuted the claims circulating that she worked as a hostess under the stage name 'Julie' at a nightlife establishment in Gangnam, Seoul, met prosecutors during that time, and even met former Prosecutor General Yoon.

Kim said, "I am originally a somewhat tomboyish and straightforward person, rather a workaholic," and added, "That's why I earned two master's degrees, even a doctorate, lecture at universities, and run a business. Even if I wanted to be Julie, I don't have the time," reiterating her denial.

Amid the emergence of 'Dori-dori' and 'Julie' remarks right after Yoon's presidential candidacy announcement, comments are also coming from the political sphere. Hong Joon-pyo, a member of the People Power Party, pointed out that Kim's direct denial of the rumors that she was a hostess named 'Julie' at a nightlife establishment was a "fatal mistake."

On the 1st, on TBS Radio's 'Kim Eo-jun's News Factory,' he said, "No matter who the opponent is, such rumors are difficult to mention in politics," and added, "But since Kim Geon-hee herself opened the door to this, the public will persistently verify the truth."

When asked by the host if he thought it was a wrong judgment, Hong said, "Yes," emphasizing, "It is not something to respond to." He continued, "Such issues are not something opposing politicians should raise, but seeing it revealed yesterday, I thought it was a bit hasty," and said, "Objectifying and generalizing it, what benefit would it bring to former Prosecutor General Yoon?"

On the 30th of last month, Yoon Seok-yeol, a presidential candidate and former Prosecutor General, visited the National Assembly Communication Office in Yeouido, Seoul. After greeting the attending reporters, he responded to their questions. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Kim Geun-sik, former head of vision strategy at the People Power Party, posted on his Facebook that regarding the past personal life allegations of Kim Geon-hee, "The political circle should not be swayed by groundless speculation and rumors about the candidate's spouse's private life." Kim said, "Verification should focus on the candidate's morality, qualifications, and abilities, and even when verifying the family's morality, personal privacy should be respected."

Earlier, former Minister of Justice and Democratic Party presidential candidate Chu Mi-ae said in a radio interview when asked if she had heard of 'Julie,' "I have heard of her. A presidential candidate must have not only themselves but also their family, relatives, and friends be clean."

Regarding the 'Dori-dori' related to former Prosecutor General Yoon, there were active rebuttals. Kwon Seong-dong, a member of the People Power Party, appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' and said about his friend Yoon gaining the nickname 'Dori-dori Yoon' at the presidential candidacy press conference, "Turning the head side to side is a habit, but since it was pointed out, I think it will gradually improve."

He added, "His usual speaking style is to look side to side while talking, but yesterday, standing in front of many reporters, he was nervous at first," and emphasized, "As time passed, during the Q&A, he was almost normal."

Regarding Yoon's press conference, he said, "It was his political debut moment, and I think it was successful in its own way," and added, "The speech content was somewhat deep and accurately pinpointed what the public sympathizes with."

Meanwhile, Yoon's mother-in-law, Choi, was sentenced to three years in prison and detained in court on the 2nd for fraudulent receipt of nursing care benefits. Yoon stated through a spokesperson, "As I have repeatedly emphasized, my belief is that no one is exempt from the application of the law."

Earlier, at the presidential candidacy press conference on the 29th of last month, Yoon said, "Whether it is my relatives or anyone in a position, there should be no exceptions in investigation, trial, and application of the law."

Choi's lawyer, Son Kyung-sik, said in a statement distributed to the media, "I believe the first trial court's ruling does not align with evidence and law," and "We plan to further clarify the truth in the appeal trial and contest the charges."