[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Seoyoung] Food columnist Hwang Kyo-ik raised his voice of criticism regarding the so-called 'Ulsan meeting' between Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, and Lee Jun-seok, the party's leader.
On the 4th, Hwang shared a photo on his Facebook showing Yoon, Lee, and Kim Ki-hyun, the People Power Party's floor leader. In the photo, Yoon and Lee's faces appeared flushed red, suggesting they had been drinking alcohol.
Along with the photo, Hwang wrote, "Rational decision-making is generally achieved by gathering with a clear mind and holding meetings," adding, "Afterwards, there may be a celebratory drinking party for that decision." However, he added, "Collusion usually happens in a state of intoxication that impairs reason at a drinking party, shouting 'Are we brothers or what?'"
Hwang said, "Collusion leads to more collusion, the latter collusion overturns the former, and another group witnessing this inevitably attempts collusion," adding, "Unlike rational decision-making, it lacks legitimacy. Collusive politics is a chronic disease in Korean politics."
He claimed, "One of the bad customs left by the Japanese colonial period is 'yojeong politics' (politics in tea houses)," explaining, "They gathered in tea houses, drank alcohol, and adjusted their mutual interests." He also said, "Since the 1980s, this shifted to room salons," adding, "Collusion has always been accompanied by alcohol." Hwang strongly criticized, "These days, politicians openly drink in front of the public and show collusion. Even the political scoundrels of the Japanese colonial era did not do this. They are out of their minds."
Earlier, it was reported that Yoon met with Lee and Kim at a restaurant in Ulju-gun, Ulsan, for a dinner meeting. After the meeting, they announced, "Regarding important matters related to the presidential election, the candidate, party leader, and floor leader agreed to closely share all matters and strengthen direct communication," and conveyed the acceptance of Kim Jong-in's appointment as the overall election committee chairman, signaling a resolution of the conflict.
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