Lee Jae-myung's Side "Apologize for Sociopath Remark" Won Hee-ryong "I'll Provide a Diagnosis" ... Storms Out of Seat

Lee's Side "Considering Legal Action if No Official Apology"
Won Hee-ryong "No Need to Apologize... Willing to Provide Medical Certificate"

Former Jeju Governor and People Power Party presidential candidate Won Hee-ryong is drinking water before giving a greeting at the policy discussion meeting of 'Asia Forum 21,' a gathering of mid-career journalists from Daegu and Gyeongbuk, held on the morning of the 14th at Hotel Suseong in Daegu. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] Kang Yunhyung, wife of Won Heeryong, a presidential pre-candidate from the People Power Party and former governor of Jeju, described Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party candidate, as having "sociopathic tendencies" on the 20th. This led to a heated exchange on the 23rd between former spokesperson Hyun Geuntaek of Lee’s campaign and Won, ultimately ending with both parties walking out without reaching an agreement.

Won and Hyun appeared together on MBC Radio’s "Politician Insider" that morning. During the broadcast, a sharp debate unfolded over Kang, a psychiatrist and Won’s wife, and her evaluation of Lee.

The host first asked, “Many listeners have questions about the remarks made by Won’s wife. Did you discuss and agree on these comments with her?” Won responded, “I clearly declare that when I got married, I vowed to always stand by my wife under any circumstances. Therefore, I fully support her remarks and will take responsibility accordingly. This was an opinion, not a diagnosis. Usually, doctors need to gather information through long-term observation to provide an opinion, but in Lee’s case, so much information is already publicly available.”

He continued, “Although I did not consult with her before the remarks, I had many encounters with Lee while serving as Jeju governor. During those times, we exchanged opinions. I watched the broadcast and felt she actually softened her words too much. If a formal diagnosis is necessary, we are willing to conduct an examination and issue a medical certificate,” he added.

Lawyer Kim Junwoo, who also appeared on the broadcast, criticized, “While she can express an expert opinion, I think there was a lack of distinction and discretion between her roles as a medical professional and as a politician’s wife.” In response, Won said, “I don’t fully understand what a sociopath is either, but it generally means someone who is relatively insensitive to others’ pain and can be indifferent to others’ wounds. If the person is aware of it, from an expert’s perspective, healing or behavioral improvement is easier, but from a professional standpoint, it is a difficult type,” he emphasized again.

Kang Yoon-hyung, wife of People Power Party presidential candidate and former Jeju Province Governor Won Hee-ryong, is a psychiatrist. Photo by Maeil Shinmun YouTube channel video capture

Lawyer Hyun warned, “Raising psychiatric issues can violate various laws. We are reviewing legal measures such as defamation and false information disclosure under the Public Official Election Act. If there is no official apology, we will have to seriously consider further action.”

Won countered, “Why should I apologize? There is no reason to apologize,” and added, “If you file a defamation suit, I will endure any criminal punishment. I am ready to respond at any time and take responsibility,” refusing to back down.

The two raised their voices, interrupting each other with remarks like, “Go ahead with legal action,” “Why can’t we express opinions?” “Why are you getting angry?” and “Tell Lee Jae-myung’s lawyer to take legal action directly.” The production team lowered the microphone volume and the host tried to mediate by saying, “Let’s stop,” but the situation escalated, and eventually, Lawyer Hyun stormed out first.

Afterward, Won raised his voice, saying, “I believe my wife would never lie. I take responsibility. How can someone who cannot protect his wife protect the country? How can they falsely accuse my wife’s honor?” He then said, “I will cool down and rest before continuing,” and also left the venue.