Kim Bu-seon Supports Statement by Won Hee-ryong's Wife Referring to Lee Jae-myung as 'Sociopath'

Sharing Column on Sociopaths and Claiming "Lee, Sociopath"

Actor Kim Bu-seon is responding to reporters' questions as she appears at the Seoul Eastern District Court on the afternoon of August 25./Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Actress Kim Booseon commented on the controversy surrounding Kang Yunhyung, wife of People Power Party presidential primary candidate and former Jeju Governor Won Heeryong, who explained the term "sociopath" in relation to Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate. Kim said, "He (candidate Lee) was a sociopath."

On the 25th, Kim Booseon shared a column about sociopaths on her Facebook and stated, "A few months ago, during a civil trial with Lee Jae-myung, I unintentionally shouted to the judge, 'Your Honor, Lee Jae-myung is a very dangerous psychopath.' I completely forgot about my turn to speak and yelled. After reading this article, I realized he was a sociopath."

The column explained sociopaths as "antisocial personality disorder refers to a lack of deep feelings for common human emotions such as fear, guilt, sadness, joy, and anger. They also do not easily feel guilt, sympathy, or affection." It added, "Psychologists say the most important characteristic of a sociopath is someone who treats you well only when they need you, but becomes very cold once they no longer need you." The column also introduced a case where Donald Trump’s nephew claimed that former U.S. President Trump was a sociopath.

Earlier, Kang, a neuropsychiatrist and wife of former Governor Won, appeared on the Maeil Newspaper YouTube broadcast on the 20th and explained sociopaths while mentioning candidate Lee, which sparked controversy.

In response, Lee’s camp expressed displeasure, calling it an "inappropriate political intervention." Jin Seongjun, a Democratic Party lawmaker who was part of Lee Jae-myung’s campaign, criticized in an interview with KBS Radio’s "Choi Kyung-young’s Strong Current Affairs," saying, "Because there is political intent involved, it is inappropriate and unethical," and added, "It is clearly a violation of medical ethics."

Former Governor Won stated that the president’s mental health is a "public matter" and that Kang’s remarks are not problematic. On the 24th, he wrote on Facebook, "There are still countless psychiatric and psychological analyses available online about former presidents Park Geun-hye and Moon Jae-in, who were presidential candidates," and argued, "I believe that even mental health cannot be a private matter for presidents or those aspiring to be president."