"Office Nuna" Controversy: Lee Jae-myung Explains "Raised Issue of Sexual Suggestiveness"

Opposition Criticizes 'Sexual Sensitivity'... Lee Jun-seok Says "Not Worth Commenting"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea's presidential candidate, clarified on the 4th that his comment "The title really grabs you" regarding the webtoon 'Office Nuna Story' the previous day was meant to raise concerns about its sexual content.

Earlier, on the 3rd, which is 'Manhwa Day,' Lee visited a webtoon production company in Bucheon Techno Valley, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi Province, and while viewing works, he remarked beside a framed piece titled 'Office Nuna Story,' "Office Nuna? The title really grabs you?" A company official who overheard the comment responded, "It is not adult content."

As controversy over 'sexual sensitivity' grew, Lee explained in an interview with Yonhap News on the 4th, "I meant to suggest that there might be sexual content. I was raising an issue."

Meanwhile, criticism poured in from opposition parties. Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, said after a Supreme Council meeting that day, "There is no expectation of morality from candidate Lee, so it is not worth commenting separately," and added, "Such gaffes or actions that disappoint the public will likely be repeated from a presidential candidate."

Yoon Young-hee, deputy spokesperson of the People's Party, also harshly criticized in a statement, "The candidate's low sexual sensitivity was proven even before the pants story at the presidential candidate debate, but how much further candidate Lee will prove the cheapness of his character and manners to the bottom is unknown."