"Kim Yeon-kyung's Roar is Awesome" to Lee Jae-myung... Yoon Hee-sook Says "Stop Free Riding on the Olympics"

Yoon Hee-sook "Using the Olympics and Athletes as Political Propaganda"

Female volleyball player Kim Yeon-koung, Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] On the 5th, Yoon Hee-sook, a member of the People Power Party, criticized Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung's mention of Kim Yeon-kyung, captain of the South Korean women's volleyball team, saying, "Consuming sports stars in this way is very unfair to player Kim Yeon-kyung."

Yoon, who declared her presidential bid, posted on her Facebook on the same day an article titled "Politicians, let's stop free-riding on the Olympics," stating, "Ruling party politicians loudly called for a boycott of the Tokyo Olympics until just before the Games. But once it started, they are now using the Olympics and participating athletes as political promotional tools."

She said, "Among them, the most outstanding is candidate Lee Jae-myung," and criticized, "Does player Kim Yeon-kyung have a criminal record like this candidate? Has she made offensive remarks? And how can this candidate, who practices populism with the 'basic series' without basics such as basic income and basic housing, talk about 'skills' alongside player Kim Yeon-kyung?"

Yoon Hee-sook, member of the People Power Party. [Photo by Yonhap News]

Earlier, on the 3rd, Governor Lee posted on his Facebook, "Although the Olympics were held after many twists and turns, it seems clear that it is a great source of strength during these difficult times due to COVID-19," adding, "I always admire the boundless concentration of athletes. I believe it is closest to the essence of life. Pushing away countless distractions and enduring tough training, overcoming pressure from all sides and pouring out what has been prepared without regret. Our lives must be a constant repetition of such endurance and challenge."

He continued, "Politics is not much different. Despite strong resistance and backlash from vested interests, we must focus on the voices of the people and the times. We must cross a river of all kinds of slanders and prove our skills without losing focus to gain the deep trust of the people," and said, "I am truly envious and impressed by player Kim Yeon-kyung's thrilling roar. She has confidence in herself and pride in having done her best, so no matter what anyone says, she has nothing to be ashamed of."

In response, Yoon said, "What politicians should do now is not to 'put their spoon in' the Olympics. Politics should look into the potential of unrecognized athletes and grassroots sports," and pointed out, "Because the achievements of elite sports do not lead to grassroots sports, even if a few sports stars are born, the majority end up wasting their talents and skills."

Furthermore, she said, "I believe that unpopular but promising sports must take root deeply in grassroots sports so that both athletes and the public can be happier," and questioned, "Shouldn't politicians think about these points rather than free-riding on medals and star athletes?"