Yoon Seok-yeol's SNS Reveals 'Apple' and Doljabi Photos... "Is This Mocking the Demand for an Apology?"

Yoo Seung-min's Side: "Why Did You Upload the Doljabi Photo Just Yesterday?"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Amid ongoing controversy over former Prosecutor General and People Power Party presidential candidate Yoon Seok-yeol's remarks seemingly defending former President Jeon Du-hwan, criticism has arisen that posting a photo of a 돌잡이 'apple' was also a form of mockery.

On the 21st, Lee Soo-hee, spokesperson for former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min's campaign, another People Power Party presidential candidate, stated, "Yesterday, while Yoon was being asked to 'apologize' for his remarks defending the Jeon Du-hwan regime, he posted a 돌잡이 photo on his official Instagram." He added, "Yoon said he picked 'apple' during the 돌잡이, explaining that he still likes the fruit 'apple' the most. And today, he barely expressed 'regret' under pressure without properly bowing his head even once."

He continued, "It seems fair to interpret the photo of picking an apple during 돌잡이 as similar to the emoticon of an apple placed on a palm," and criticized, "After refusing the public's demand to apologize for his offensive remarks and continuing them during yesterday's debate, posting this photo was a mockery of the people's call for an apology."

The spokesperson said, "Yoon's side will likely blame those raising the issue, claiming it was a coincidence, but they should stop and ask why the 돌잡이 'apple' photo was posted precisely yesterday," questioning the timing.

Earlier, on the 19th, Yoon visited the office of People Power Party lawmaker Ha Tae-kyung in Busan Haeundae-gap and mentioned former President Jeon, saying, "Except for the military coup and the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising, there are mistakes, but many say he was good at politics." This remark sparked controversy, and demands for an apology continued during the previous day's People Power Party presidential debate, but Yoon refused to apologize, saying, "You should not distort my words."

However, on this day, Yoon finally expressed 'regret' at a policy announcement event.

As controversy continued despite the expression of regret, he raised the level of apology further through social media by saying, "I am sorry."