"Pretty Brooch," "What’s the Difference Between Lee Sujeong and Jo Dongyeon?"... Political Circles Ignore Criticism of 'Misogyny'

No Apology from Ruling and Opposition Parties Despite 'Misogyny' Criticism
Kim Byung-joon: "Only Women Wear Brooches... I'm a Feminist"
Choi Bae-geun: "If Intended as Appearance Comparison, Would Have Posted Celebrity Photos"
Expert: "If Criticized, Should Apologize and Show Attitude of Acknowledgment"

A post uploaded on Facebook on the 29th of last month by Choi Bae-geun, a professor at Konkuk University and co-chairman of the Basic Society Committee of the Democratic Party's Election Countermeasures Committee. He posted photos of Jo Dong-yeon, a professor in the Department of Military Studies at Seokyeong University, and Lee Soo-jung, a professor in the Department of Criminal Psychology at Kyonggi University, side by side with the caption "What is the difference?" sparking controversy over 'appearance comparison.' Photo by Professor Choi Bae-geun (Facebook capture).

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Some figures in the ruling and opposition political circles are causing controversy by making remarks that seem to compare or evaluate the appearances of women recruited as talents for the election campaign committees (선대위). Amid criticism that these remarks were misogynistic and derogatory toward women, the individuals responsible for the problematic comments are not admitting their mistakes but are instead responding as if "there is no problem," which is fueling public outrage.

◆ "Pretty Brooch," "Difference Between Lee Sujeong and Jo Dongyeon?"... Distorted Perspectives on Women

Kim Byungjoon, the Standing Election Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyunjung's News Show' on the 1st and referred to Jo Dongyeon, a professor in the Department of Military Studies at Seokyeong University and the first talent recruited by the Democratic Party, as "like a pretty brooch," sparking controversy over 'derogatory remarks toward women.'

When asked about his opinion on recruiting Professor Jo, Kim said, "She hasn't been heavily involved in mass movements, nor has she had experience managing large organizations, and she hasn't fully demonstrated her capabilities as a scholar," adding, "It's not an appropriate metaphor, but it felt like she was wearing a very pretty brooch on a combat uniform. It felt like an accessory," belittling her.

The Democratic Party immediately protested, calling it 'derogatory toward women.' Ko Yongjin, the senior spokesperson for the election committee, issued a statement saying, "Kim's remarks are anachronistic and a serious insult to a security expert and female educator," and criticized, "Describing a recruited talent of a public party as an ornament reflects his worldview and level of consciousness."

However, remarks with a derogatory intent toward women also came from the Democratic Party side. On the 29th of last month, Choi Baekgeun, co-chairman of the Basic Society Committee of the Democratic Party's election committee and a professor at Konkuk University, posted photos of Professor Jo and Lee Sujeong, a professor in the Department of Criminal Psychology at Kyonggi University who was recruited as a co-chairman of the People Power Party's election committee, side by side on social media and wrote "Difference?" causing controversy over 'appearance comparison.'

In response, Professor Lee appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyunjung's News Show' and expressed discomfort, saying, "(Professor Choi's) question was wrong," adding, "Professor Jo is also a working woman raising children. I have raised two children myself. So I understand very well the ongoing pain she is experiencing. Then the question should have been 'What are the commonalities?'"

Kim Byung-joon, Standing Election Committee Chairman of the People Power Party. / Photo by Yonhap News

◆ Despite Criticism of 'Derogatory Remarks Toward Women'... "I'm a Feminist," "No Intention to Compare," Only Explanations Without Apologies

The bigger problem is that the individuals responsible for the controversial remarks are not admitting their mistakes but are consistently claiming that "there was no intention to belittle." When Kim's "pretty brooch" comment was criticized, he issued a rebuttal statement saying he is a "feminist with two daughters" and that "accessories are not worn only by women."

Kim said, "There is criticism that I used that expression because Professor Jo is a woman, but I would have used the same expression even if she were a man. It is surprising to think that accessories or brooches are used only by women," turning the criticism from the Democratic Party against himself into a problem.

Professor Choi, who was criticized for posting a message seemingly comparing Professors Jo and Lee, also showed an attitude of making excuses rather than apologizing. On Facebook, Choi explained, "Some people are overreacting, saying it was an appearance comparison, but if that were the case, I would have posted pictures of celebrities," adding, "The phrase 'Difference?' meant to show the difference in the candidates' orientations and values."

Both ruling and opposition parties have caused controversy with derogatory remarks toward women and are blaming each other, yet they are criticized for not admitting their mistakes regarding their own remarks.

◆ "'Misogyny' Does Not Mean Hating Women, But Seeing Them as a 'Specific Code'... Both Ruling and Opposition Are the Same"

In this regard, former Dongyang University professor Jin Joongkwon strongly criticized both parties, saying, "There is an underlying feeling of misogyny." On CBS Radio's 'One Round Match,' Jin explained, "Misogyny does not mean hating or despising women. It means not seeing women as people but as a specific code," and pointed out, "Both camps are doing this, and I think there are many problems with this presidential election itself."

However, Democratic Party lawmaker Woo Sangho, who appeared on the broadcast with Jin, said, "In the case of Professor Choi Baekgeun, since both (Professors Jo and Lee) are women, it was a comparison, so it is a bit difficult to see it as misogyny. But I think Chairman Kim Byungjoon made a big mistake," insisting until the end that they themselves are not at fault.

Experts pointed out that politicians should quickly acknowledge and apologize for remarks that do not align with public sentiment. Professor Lee Junhan of the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy at Incheon National University said, "Remarks that do not fit the public sentiment and the times are continuously coming out in the political world. They seem to be under the illusion that they are strategists making witty and differentiated remarks," emphasizing, "Not only for remarks about women but also for anything pointed out as wrong, it is important to show an attitude of acknowledging and apologizing in elections."