The 'Honam Dallaegi' Wobbles in the People Power Party... Kim Jae-won Says "Jobs Were Easy to Get in the Jeon Doo-hwan Era"

People Power Party Leadership, Discord in Damage Control
Yoon Seok-yeol Expresses Regret for the First Time After Controversy

Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, is seen offering a moment of silence at the memorial monument for the victims of the Yeosu-Suncheon Incident in Manheung-dong, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do, on the morning of the 21st. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Naju-seok and Park Jun-i] The People Power Party is struggling to deliver a unified message regarding the controversy over former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol's remarks defending former President Chun Doo-hwan. Party leader Lee Jun-seok visited Yeosu and Suncheon in Jeollanam-do to calm the angered public sentiment, but Kim Jae-won, a Supreme Council member and part of the leadership, took a completely opposite stance by reiterating the intent behind Yoon's remarks.

On the 21st, Lee paid respects at the Yeosu-Suncheon Incident Victims Memorial Monument in Yeosu and the Yeosu-Suncheon Incident Memorial Tower in Suncheon. After the visits, he told reporters, "Former President Chun only ruled; he never engaged in politics that involved harmonizing with others, coordinating opinions, or exchanging views between political parties," criticizing him and adding, "I find it difficult to agree with former Prosecutor General Yoon's opinion." Lee also said, "When making remarks related to Honam, one must be very careful," and added, "I will draw a line to ensure that opinions differing from the established historical consensus are not reflected."

However, within the party, remarks suggesting there is no problem with Yoon's statements have emerged, signaling further controversy. Supreme Council member Kim, during a Supreme Council meeting held in Lee's absence, said, "At least in terms of real estate and nuclear phase-out policies, I think the Moon Jae-in administration was much more bleak than the Chun Doo-hwan era," and made remarks defending the former president's era, stating, "Back then, it was easier to get a job, and anyone who joined the housing subscription for apartments in Gangnam could easily win an apartment."

Meanwhile, former Prosecutor General Yoon also apologized for the controversy caused by his remarks and took steps to manage the situation. Before a press conference to announce his campaign pledges that day, Yoon said, "My remarks were never intended to defend or praise the Fifth Republic government," and added, "It was meant to express my intention to widely discover experts and practice responsible politics." However, he also said, "I humbly accept the many criticisms and points out that my explanation and analogy were inappropriate, and I express my regret," adding, "I will continue to serve the people's will with a humble attitude and work to achieve a change of government."