"First Lady Also Represents National Dignity, Mother of Two vs. Tori Mom"... Ruling Party Launches Offensive Against Yoon Seok-yeol

Song Young-gil "Not appearing in official settings is impolite"

Lee Jae-myung, the wife of the Democratic Party presidential candidate Kim Hye-kyung, and Yoon Seok-youl, the wife of the People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Gun-hee (from left). / Photo by Han Junho, captured from Facebook

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] Han Jun-ho, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea and chief of staff for presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung, compared Lee’s wife Kim Hye-kyung with Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party’s presidential candidate’s wife Kim Kun-hee, stating that "the First Lady also represents the national dignity."

On the 17th, Han posted on his Facebook listing allegations against Kim Kun-hee, including ▲ involvement in the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation case ▲ illegal sponsorship by Kobana Contents, operated by Kim Kun-hee ▲ suspicion of submitting false academic credentials ▲ the 'Yuji' thesis, questioning, "Should we host a family member with criminal charges as the mistress of the Blue House?"

During this, Han reportedly used and then deleted the phrase "'Mother of two children' Kim Hye-kyung VS 'Tori mom' Kim Kun-hee," which sparked controversy.

Not only Han but also the Democratic Party launched a focused offensive against candidate Yoon’s wife Kim on the same day.

Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized at the general headquarters meeting chaired by the party’s standing election committee chairman held at the National Assembly that morning, "Kim Kun-hee is currently not appearing at all in official public settings. This is highly inappropriate as the spouse of a presidential candidate and disrespectful to the people."

He continued, "Kim Kun-hee must directly and thoroughly explain all the questions raised against her and come forward before the public," and raised his voice, "Investigative agencies should immediately conduct a direct investigation of Kim Kun-hee."

He also targeted candidate Yoon, saying, "Yoon remains silent about the malicious corruption allegations involving himself and his family. This is a level of hypocrisy beyond belief," adding, "The issues concerning the president, who represents the face of the Republic of Korea, and his spouse must be subject to public scrutiny."

Meanwhile, on the previous day (the 16th), Kim Jae-won, a Supreme Council member of the People Power Party, appeared on CBS Radio and said about Kim Kun-hee, "I heard she is very sociable socially," and predicted, "Although it is a bit delayed, she will soon engage in such (First Lady) activities."