[Exclusive] Opposition High School Senior's Speech Claimed to Feel 'Superiority', Plagiarism Allegations Met with "Homage" Explanation

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] On the 6th, Kim Min-gyu, a high school senior from the People Power Party (PPP) whose statement "Our high school seniors are superior to the Democratic Party's high school seniors" made headlines, was accused on online communities of plagiarizing the lyrics of the song titled "Discord" in his speech at the election committee launch ceremony. In response, Kim posted on Facebook on the 7th, "Knowing such suspicions would arise," and explained, "The responsible department conducted a prior review regarding plagiarism, and it was confirmed that there is no legal issue." He stated that it was not plagiarism but an 'homage.'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Photo by Lee Jun-seok, captured from the Facebook page of the People Power Party leader

In his speech at the election committee launch ceremony, Kim said, "What people really get excited about is something that stands out among the same things. Others mocked us as discord, but we ultimately proved that it is a wonderful piece of work." This is similar to the lyrics of the song: "What matters is peace, freedom, love, My Life, something that stands out among the same things. Among circles, one sharp triangle, we call that a work."

Also, the part of the song that says, "Since when did hip-hop stop being cool? This is just a trend or a TV show. We value love over money. Philosophy over trophies," was replaced in Kim's speech with, "Since when did politics stop being cool? Love for the people rather than power. Philosophy of fairness and common sense over the trophy of the presidency."

After this speech received great applause at the launch ceremony, PPP leader Lee Jun-seok praised Kim on Facebook on the 6th, mentioning that Kim is superior to other high school seniors recruited by the Democratic Party, saying, "Kim Min-gyu, a party member, will surely have a day when he writes candidate speeches and delivers support speeches for candidates."

Meanwhile, regarding the plagiarism allegations, Kim stated on his Facebook, "Many people have attacked me over the plagiarism suspicions about the speech I posted yesterday, so I am leaving this note," adding, "Knowing this would happen, I also posted the link to the original performance three days before the speech. The responsible department conducted a prior review regarding plagiarism, and it was confirmed that there is no legal issue."

He added, "I accept criticism that the original creator may not want the lyrics to be politicized," but also wrote, "However, those who talk about ghostwriting or malicious plagiarism without even understanding what homage is?if you are uncomfortable, please adjust your posture..."