Yoon Apologizes to the Public for Controversy Over 'Pet Dog Apology' Post, Calling It His Fault
The side of former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, who was criticized for posting a photo offering an apple to his pet dog, closed the Instagram account of the pet dog 'Tori' on the 22nd. Photo by Instagram capture.
[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Yoon Seok-yeol, a presidential primary candidate from the People Power Party and former Prosecutor General, is facing controversy after expressing regret over his remarks defending former President Jeon Du-hwan and then posting a photo apologizing to his pet dog. In political circles, Yoon’s social media post has drawn fierce criticism, with comments such as "He has lost the qualifications to be a presidential candidate" and "Is he saying to give the apology to a dog?" Yoon himself said about the controversy, "It was my fault. I apologize to the people."
On the 22nd, during the second head-to-head debate of the People Power Party’s presidential primary, when former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min pressed him on the controversy, Yoon said, "It was my fault for not fully managing the timing when the public could think that way."
He added, "The dog in the scene where I give the apology is my family whom I have considered like a child for nine years. If people think otherwise, it is my fault rather than saying their thoughts are wrong. I am also the one who posted the story related to the apology on Instagram."
Earlier, on the 21st, Yoon’s camp posted a photo on social media showing Yoon giving an apple to his pet dog ‘Tori.’ The post included the caption, "Today, Dad must have picked Indian apples from the tree again. Tori likes Indian apples because he resembles Dad."
However, doubts arose about the sincerity of Yoon’s apology regarding his remarks defending Jeon Du-hwan. In response, Yoon’s camp deleted the post and closed the Instagram account, but strong criticism continues both inside and outside the party.
Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential primary candidate, is announcing youth policy pledges on the morning of the 21st at the People Power Party Central Party Office in Yeouido, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Lee Nak-yeon, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who had been keeping a low profile after losing the primary, targeted Yoon, saying, "His reckless remarks defending Jeon Du-hwan blatantly revealed his bottomless ignorance and low-level historical awareness. While calls for an apology are pouring in, posting a photo of an ‘apology’ on social media is either mockery of the people or insensitivity to the world. It is outrageous."
He continued, "Yoon has already lost the qualifications to be a presidential candidate. The reality that such a person is acting as if he will become the nation’s highest leader signals a crisis for the Republic of Korea."
Among opposition presidential candidates, there have also been reactions of disbelief. Hong Joon-pyo, a People Power Party lawmaker, wrote on his Facebook, "Following the ‘Wang (王) character talisman election,’ now even dog apples?this opposition primary has gone too far." He added, "At this point, all secrets are out, so make a decision. Stop making the opposition primary a national laughingstock, stop pouring cold water on the rare opposition boom, quit, and just play the Indian apple game every day with Tori and your wife."
Kwon Sung-joo, spokesperson for former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min’s campaign, also issued a statement targeting Yoon, saying, "We are witnessing a candidate unlike any before. When asked to apologize for his reckless remarks, he mocked the people by posting a photo of fruit apples on social media, and on the night he finally said ‘I am sorry,’ he additionally posted a photo giving an apple to a dog. Anyone can clearly see the meaning and intent of the photo: ‘Give the apology to the dog.’"
Shin Bo-ra, spokesperson for former Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong’s campaign, said, "Think about the deep despair the people must have felt while the photo of giving an apple to a dog was posted. Despite causing great wounds to the people with his Jeon Du-hwan remarks, neither the candidate nor the campaign shows sincere reflection. This will have irreversible repercussions."
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