People Power Party Election Committee "Hahm Ik-byeong, Decision Deferred Until Explanation of His Remarks"

Source=SBS 'Healing Camp' broadcast capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] The People Power Party's Central Election Countermeasures Committee postponed the appointment of Mr. Ham Ik-byeong, who was nominated as co-chairman of the election committee on the 5th.

Lee Yang-su, chief spokesperson of the People Power Party's Central Election Committee, stated on the 5th, "Regarding the nomination of Ham Ik-byeong as co-chairman, the decision will be postponed until he provides sufficient explanation about his remarks and the public is convinced."

Mr. Ham, well known as a dermatologist, is the director of Ham Ik-byeong & Esther Clinic. When announcing Ham's appointment as co-chairman, Lee described him as "a non-politician with high recognition," adding, "He has demonstrated sound values on broadcasts and has represented the voices of the people and the common citizens."

However, following the revelation of Mr. Ham's 'dictatorship remarks,' the decision on his appointment as co-chairman was postponed again. Cho Seung-rae, chief spokesperson of the Democratic Party's election committee, issued a statement on the same day, pointing out, "In a 2014 interview, Mr. Ham argued, 'Why is dictatorship wrong?' and 'The idea that dictatorship is absolutely bad is also a kind of dogma,'" adding, "He is a delusional person trapped in the illusion of a 'good dictatorship' and shares the same governance view as candidate Yoon."

Cho further criticized, "He is a dictator glorifier who perfectly fits candidate Yoon's political view, who said that dictator Jeon Du-hwan 'did politics well.'" He also added, "Mr. Ham caused controversy by saying, 'Since women do not have the duty of national defense, they should exercise only three-quarters of the rights,' and putting such a person as co-chairman while promising the future to female voters in their 20s and 30s shows candidate Yoon's duplicity, leaving one speechless."