Cornered over 'Jeon Du-hwan Defense Controversy', Yoon Seok-yeol... The Issue is Historical Awareness

Yoon Suk-yeol "Chun Doo-hwan Did Politics Well"
As Controversy Grows, "I Meant to Appoint Talents to Right Places"
Experts Say "Seems Like a Strategy to Secure Core Supporters"

Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential primary candidate, attended the joint debate of the People Power Party Daegu·Gyeongbuk held at Daegu MBC on the afternoon of the 20th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Yoon Seok-yeol, a presidential primary candidate from the People Power Party, has come under fire for remarks that appeared to defend former President Chun Doo-hwan. He explained the controversy by saying, "Experts also say there are lessons to be learned in terms of the delegation of authority," but criticism remains strong.

In particular, Yoon has faced a flood of criticism both inside and outside his party, the People Power Party, for offering explanations rather than apologies amid successive controversies. Given the situation, many voices express concern that Yoon's recent remarks could negatively affect voter sentiment in Honam and among centrist voters. Experts have analyzed that this could be a strategy by Yoon to pass the party's primary.

Earlier, on the 19th, Yoon visited the Haeundae-gap Party Members' Council in Busan and said, "Although former President Chun made mistakes, many say he did well in politics except for the military coup and the May 18 incident. Quite a few people in Honam also say so."

Former President Chun was a dictator who seized power through a military coup and trampled on the constitution. In addition to the bloody suppression of the May 18 Democratic Movement, the operation of the Samcheong Education Center and the torture death of Park Jong-cheol all occurred under Chun's regime. He was also sentenced in 1996 to pay 220 billion won in fines for amassing secret funds worth several hundred billion won during his tenure. Yoon's defense of Chun has raised questions about his historical perspective.

Despite the spreading backlash over his remarks, Yoon has not issued a separate apology. However, on the following day, the 20th, he stated on Facebook, "What I wanted to say was that if I become president, I will appoint experts and talents in each field to the right places so they can demonstrate their capabilities." He added, "It goes without saying that the Chun Doo-hwan regime was a dictatorship that suppressed liberal democracy, which is a historical fact."

A post from Yoon Seok-yeol's campaign placing a glass of alcohol in front of a portrait of patriot Ahn Jung-geun and posting a memorial message for patriot Yun Bong-gil. After controversy arose, Yoon's camp later edited part of the post. Photo by Yoon Seok-yeol National Campaign Facebook capture.

This is not the first time Yoon has been embroiled in controversy related to history. In August, Yoon's campaign posted a photo on Facebook of him paying respects in front of a portrait of An Jung-geun, along with a memorial message for Yun Bong-gil, sparking controversy. At the time, the campaign explained it as "an incident caused by Facebook editing issues." However, amid ongoing controversy, they eventually modified part of the post.

Moreover, in July, during a visit to the Busan Democracy Park, Yoon was criticized for asking, "Was it during the Bu-Ma uprising?" in front of a statue of martyr Lee Han-yeol. In response, he dismissed the controversy by saying, "Who among people my age wouldn't know the photo of Lee Han-yeol collapsing after being hit by a tear gas canister?"

The problem is that Yoon has not shown a willingness to apologize directly despite repeated gaffes. His recent remarks about former President Chun also sparked controversy, but he did not offer a meaningful apology. Regarding this, Kim Kyung-jin, a special spokesperson for external cooperation at Yoon's campaign, told CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' when asked about the possibility of Yoon apologizing, "Our staff will try to discuss it."

Given the situation, calls for Yoon to apologize continue from both inside and outside the political sphere. Lee So-young, spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea, issued a statement saying, "Yoon's remarks, which are below common sense, are shocking and infuriating. His distorted historical awareness, continuous gaffes, and defensive explanations full of scolding?at this point, Yoon is unfit to be a presidential candidate."

Criticism also came from within his own party, the People Power Party. Party leader Lee Jun-seok said on Peace Broadcasting System radio, "To quickly resolve the controversy, I think he should clearly state his position and especially apologize to those hurt by such remarks. There is no need to be stingy with apologies; if it was not his true intention, humbly apologizing for the expression mistake would neatly end the controversy."

Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 18th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Within the party, there is concern that Yoon's remarks could adversely affect voter sentiment in Honam and among centrists. While the People Power Party leadership and presidential candidates have been paying respects at the May 18 gravesite and apologizing for historical distortions and offensive remarks related to May 18, Yoon's recent comments are seen as a negative factor.

As a result, some question the sincerity of the People Power Party's efforts to "embrace Honam." Gwangju Mayor Lee Yong-seop also issued a statement, saying, "A year ago, then-Emergency Committee Chairman Kim Jong-in knelt before the May spirits and apologized, and the People Power Party leadership and lawmakers promised to cooperate in uncovering the truth and restoring honor for May 18. Is the People Power Party now abandoning that sincerity?" he pointed out.

Experts analyze that Yoon's remarks about former President Chun are a kind of strategy to pass the party primary. Political commentator Lee Jong-hoon said, "Yoon's remarks can be seen as intentional to boost his approval ratings. It cannot be called a slip of the tongue."

He added, "As the People Power Party debates proceed, Yoon's lack of knowledge on national issues has led to a decline in approval ratings, heightening a sense of crisis. Yoon's priority is to pass the party primary. In the party primary, party member votes account for 50%. Therefore, he needs to persuade the 'jitto' (party base)."

He further explained, "Within the conservative camp, there is an opinion that 'Chun Doo-hwan did do some good work.' Ultimately, Yoon's remarks may be a strategy that resonates with the conservative base."