Jin Joong-kwon: "I also dislike Moon Jae-in, but Moon Jun-yong is a promising young artist"

"Writers Are Not Politicians. No Power to Resist Indiscriminate Political Attacks"
Yoon Camp Withdraws Kim In-gyu's 'Moon Jun-yong Criticism' Statement After One Day
Moon Jun-yong: "Pathetic Political Level... Misleading as If Receiving COVID-19 Livelihood Support"

President Moon Jae-in's son, Moon Jun-yong.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon argued regarding the controversy over Moon Joon-yong, son of President Moon Jae-in, receiving 70 million won in support funds from Yanggu County Office in Gangwon Province, saying, "I also dislike Moon Jae-in, but the aesthetic evaluation of the son should not be replaced by the political evaluation of the father."

On the 22nd, Jin posted on his Facebook, stating, "Moon Joon-yong cannot be called a 'world-class artist.' However, that does not mean he is a terribly unskilled artist," adding, "It would be appropriate to simply say he is a fairly skilled young artist with promising prospects."

He said, "The cultural and artistic world has its own logic, system, customs, and practices established over hundreds of years. This aesthetic autonomy must be respected," and added, "Issues within it should be raised and resolved within it. Regardless of political party differences, the state should establish the principle of supporting without interference."

He continued, "Politics should also adopt such an attitude," explaining, "Artists are not politicians. They do not have the power to resist indiscriminate political attacks."

He further stated, "Politicians can form groups within their parties to collectively attack or defend opponents with all kinds of falsehoods and schemes. Look at Cho Kuk, Park Won-soon, Yoon Mee-hyang, and Lee Jae-myung," and added, "But artists have to endure all these things as solitary individuals. The cultural and artistic world is as fragile as eggshells. That is why it must be protected."

Earlier, on the 21st, Kim In-gyu, deputy spokesperson of Yoon Seok-yeol’s camp, criticized in a statement, "If he is truly a world-class artist, then why does he only receive support funded by the people's taxes?"

In response, Moon Joon-yong immediately rebutted through his Facebook on the same day, saying, "Politicians are spreading fake news," and "The level is truly pathetic." He added, "'Support' is merely an administrative term, but politicians got excited seeing this word," and criticized, "They are misleading people as if I am receiving COVID-19 livelihood support." He also said, "Why do they ask why the president’s son’s works are bought with taxes? Originally, all artworks are purchased with taxes," adding, "Since museums are public institutions, public budgets are involved."

In response, Yoon’s camp announced on the 22nd, just one day later, "The statement by deputy spokesperson Kim In-gyu on the 21st was withdrawn due to differences with the camp’s official position." They explained, "Although there is critical public opinion regarding the president’s son receiving support funds, it was judged that unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings related to support for cultural and artistic figures should not be intensified by that statement."