Controversy Over Yoon Seok-yeol Offering an Apple to a Dog on SNS... Even Kim Jae-won, Known for His Eloquence, Says "Aigo..."

'When Asked "Have the People Who Heard Former Prosecutor General Yoon's Apology Become Dogs?" He Was Speechless'

Instagram capture of Tori, the dog of former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Kim Jae-won, Supreme Council Member of the People Power Party, was at a loss for words and said "Aigo" on the 22nd regarding a photo posted on presidential candidate Yoon Seok-yeol's social media (SNS) showing a dog being given an 'apple.'

Kim appeared on KBS Radio's 'Choi Kyung-young's Strongest Current Affairs' that day and showed this reaction while expressing his thoughts on Yoon's recent apology following remarks defending former President Chun Doo-hwan.

The host pointed out the problem with photos posted on Yoon's SNS account, including one from Yoon's doljabi (first birthday) event where he is holding an apple and another showing Yoon's pet dog 'Tori' being given an apple. In response, Kim said, "From the beginning, I thought the person in charge of SNS was doing something really inappropriate," adding, "I haven't seen the photo of giving the apple to the dog, but I wondered why they posted such a photo from the doljanchi."

Nevertheless, when the host repeatedly asked, "Then the people who saw Yoon holding the apple might think, 'Am I a dog?'," and "If it's like mocking, saying 'Yoon Seok-yeol likes apples,' what is the intention?" Kim sighed and said, "Aigo."

Earlier, on the 19th, Yoon visited the office of Ha Tae-kyung, a People Power Party lawmaker from Busan Haeundae-gap, and mentioned former President Chun, saying, "Except for the military coup and the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising, there are some mistakes, but many say he was good at politics."

As the remarks sparked controversy, demands for an apology continued during the People Power Party presidential candidates' debates, but Yoon firmly refused, saying, "It should not be distorted." However, as public backlash grew, he eventually expressed 'regret' at a policy announcement event. When the public sentiment did not subside despite the expression of 'regret,' Yoon raised the level of apology through SNS by saying, "I am sorry."

Regarding the controversy, Kim added, "Now, regardless, it is important to see the candidate sincerely apologizing to the people and how he behaves going forward."

Meanwhile, following Kim, Lee Kang-yoon, Director of the Korea Society Opinion Institute, who appeared on the broadcast, said, "I was waiting and listening to Kim Jae-won's words," and added, "I was surprised to see someone who speaks well and has no hesitation sighing deeply."