Park Chung-hee's Birthplace Found: Yoo Seung-min, Who Was Attacked, Says "Coming to TK to Reconcile"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Yoo Seung-min, a presidential candidate from the People Power Party and former lawmaker, visited the birthplace of the late President Park Chung-hee on the 19th and completed his memorial visit despite being attacked with verbal abuse and kicks.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 19th, Yoo visited President Park's birthplace in Sangmo-dong, Gumi City, Gyeongbuk Province. Upon arrival, supporters of the Our Republican Party and conservative YouTubers blocked Yoo's memorial schedule around the birthplace. Prior to Yoo, Cho Won-jin, the leader of the Our Republican Party, had paid respects at the birthplace, and his group obstructed Yoo's memorial visit.

After about an hour-long struggle, Yoo finally reached the memorial hall, but he could not avoid an attack from a conservative YouTuber who had been waiting inside. As Yoo attempted to enter the memorial hall, this individual rushed at him and attacked. After escorting the attacking conservative YouTuber out, Yoo completed his memorial and guestbook signing schedule.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

After paying respects to President Park, Yoo said, "I feel sorry that the police had to work so hard," and added, "Although I haven't visited often, I came after a long time and there was a lot of commotion. Still, I am glad to have been able to pay my respects and look around the photos inside the birthplace."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Yoo stated, "Since the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye, conservatism has been divided, and citizens are also divided. As a citizen and a politician, even paying respects to former President Park Chung-hee is difficult in our current reality," adding, "I deeply regret this situation and always feel responsible for the division of conservatism after the impeachment." He continued, "I frequently visit Daegu and Gyeongbuk to reconcile with the citizens who criticize and verbally abuse me. I believe they all share the same concern for the country. Because people are truly disillusioned and frustrated with the Moon Jae-in administration's failures, regardless of our past political choices, I hope we can unite for the March presidential election next year and achieve a regime change."

Yoo's camp stated that they do not intend to request criminal punishment for the citizen who attacked Yoo that day. A representative said, "Fortunately, the candidate was not injured, and even if he had been, the attacker is not someone to be criminally prosecuted," adding, "Since they are all people concerned about the country, we are prepared to accept everything."