Comedian Seo Seung-man's Controversial Remarks: "Those Criticizing Daejang-dong Should Get Colon Cancer"

After Controversy Erupted, Apologized Saying "I Became Narcissistic Due to Arrogance About Laughter"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seohyun] Amid allegations of preferential treatment in the Daejang-dong development project in Seongnam City, Gyeonggi Province, during Lee Jae-myung's tenure as mayor of Seongnam and now a ruling party presidential candidate, comedian Seo Seung-man sparked controversy by saying, "Those who criticize Daejang-dong should get colon cancer out of jealousy after the presidential election."

On the 22nd, Seo Seung-man wrote on his Facebook, "The Daejang-dong development was praised even overseas," and made the above comment.

As the controversy grew over his remarks, Seo Seung-man posted again on his Facebook two days later, on the 24th, apologizing, saying, "I sincerely apologize for using words that should never have been used in the Daejang-dong related post." The post is no longer available on Seo Seung-man's SNS.

Comedian Seo Seung-man sparked outrage by making a pun with "colon cancer" in relation to the preferential treatment allegations surrounding Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung and the Daejang-dong development project in Seongnam City.
/Photo by Seo Seung-man Facebook

He expressed deep remorse for "carelessly comparing Daejang-dong to colon cancer," adding, "I was intoxicated with arrogance about humor. I did not consider how severe the pain of colon cancer is, and I am even more sorry for not realizing my mistake quickly after posting."

He continued, "I sincerely apologize for my thoughtlessness," and said, "I am truly sorry to everyone who was hurt. I will never make such a mistake again."

Seo Seung-man, who has been making political remarks while participating in a support group for Lee Jae-myung in the culture and arts sector, also posted a message targeting Lee Nak-yeon, another presidential candidate competing with Lee Jae-myung, on the same day he made the controversial remarks, the 22nd.

He wrote about candidate Lee, "You got caught lying about public opinion," and "Forgetting your own words?isn't that dementia? So why are you dreaming of the presidency? You're a fool." He also criticized Lee's resignation from his parliamentary seat, saying, "You have no sense of responsibility. Is it all over if you resign?"

Meanwhile, Lee Jae-myung proposed a joint response among Democratic Party candidates regarding the 'Daejang-dong preferential treatment allegations' surrounding him. In a post on his Facebook the previous day, Lee wrote, "Whether it is a joint press conference by the candidates or a joint statement from the campaigns, let's stand together against their shameless and low-level political attacks."