Lee Jae-myung "Olympics, Individual Athlete Participation" Claim
Ha Tae-kyung "Please Keep Your Light Mouth Shut"
[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Ju-hee] Ha Tae-kyung, a member of the People Power Party, criticized Gyeonggi Governor Lee Jae-myung, who advocated for "considering boycotting the Tokyo Olympics," saying, "Where in the world is there a ruling party candidate pressuring President Moon Jae-in, who is coordinating the Korea-Japan summit, to boycott the Olympics?"
On the 11th, Ha wrote on Facebook, "Governor Lee Jae-myung's claim of an 'Olympic boycott'?does he want to make President Moon an internationally recognized fool? He is truly a dangerous person," he said.
Earlier, in an interview with a media outlet on the same day, Governor Lee was asked about the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee's official website labeling Dokdo as Japanese territory. He responded, "It's unfortunate, but we should consider not participating in the Tokyo Olympics," and argued, "Athletes preparing for the Olympics can participate individually rather than as a national team."
In response, Ha said, "No matter how much you try to stir anti-Japanese sentiment for the presidential election, there is a limit," and harshly criticized, "The fact that someone like Governor Lee, who is scheming to gain votes and sabotaging the summit, is running as the ruling party's presidential candidate is a comedy."
He continued, "With the opening of the games just around the corner and the national team’s decision ceremony already completed, the irresponsible claim that 'they can participate individually' is also problematic," and questioned, "If the IOC does not accept individual participation, will Governor Lee compensate the athletes who have shed blood and sweat hoping for an Olympic medal?"
Ha acknowledged, "The behavior of Japan and the IOC regarding the Dokdo map labeling is indeed outrageous. However, for the diplomatic goal of improving Korea-Japan relations during President Moon’s term, it is a rational choice to respond separately to the Dokdo map issue," and criticized, "If Governor Lee, who shows reckless behavior, becomes president, South Korea’s diplomacy will be completely ruined, as clear as day."
He added, "We will become the outcast of East Asia, not North Korea," and said, "Please stop making ignorant remarks and keep your light mouth shut."
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