Apologized, but still "Statements May Be Edited"
Rival Candidate Hong Jun-pyo "If I Were Party Leader, Expulsion-Worthy"
Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential primary candidate, is announcing youth policy pledges at the People Power Party Central Party Office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 21st. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, who sparked controversy with remarks defending former President Jeon Du-hwan, attempted to resolve the issue by stating, "I apologize to those who suffered under the Jeon Du-hwan regime," after criticism continued despite his expression of regret.
On the 21st, Yoon said on Facebook, "I have listened to the advice of many people over the past few days. I humbly acknowledge the valuable criticism," expressing this stance.
This appears to be a more sincere apology than his earlier use of the term "regret." Earlier that morning, before announcing youth pledges at the People Power Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, Yoon had stated, "I humbly accept the many criticisms and points that my explanations and analogies were inappropriate, and I express my regret."
In response, former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon criticized on Facebook, saying, "He apologized, but it is still insufficient," and "A clearer apology is necessary."
Yoon reiterated his original intent, saying, "The true meaning of my remarks was never to praise or defend Jeon Du-hwan," and "I am Yoon Seok-yeol, who sentenced former President Jeon to life imprisonment during my university days. There is no way I would praise or defend Jeon Du-hwan's military dictatorship that staged a coup and suppressed democracy."
He accepted criticism, stating, "It was wrong to mention the dictator's governance actions. It was also unwise to deflect responsibility by saying 'the true meaning of my remarks was distorted,'" while emphasizing that "As a politician, I accept the criticism that I must consider that my statements can always be edited," highlighting that his remarks' intent was still misunderstood.
Yoon added, "I will deeply engrave in my heart that the presidency is a position of unlimited responsibility. I will take this as an opportunity to once again realize the weight of a politician's words and actions."
In response, rival candidate and People Power Party lawmaker Hong Jun-pyo immediately criticized on Facebook, saying, "Is this the first or second time that someone has tried to brush off an issue that requires a clean apology with irresponsible expressions of regret?" and "Is stubbornly insisting and holding out the spirit of Prosecutor Yoon?"
Hong strongly criticized, saying, "I cannot let this remark pass on conscience grounds," and "If I were the party leader, this would be grounds for expulsion."
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