"Everyone already knows that Candidate Yoon's philosophy on state governance and content are lacking"
Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party (left), and his spouse Kim Geon-hee (right). [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, sharply criticized Kim Gun-hee, spouse of Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, asking, "Are you suggesting ruling from behind the curtain?"
On the 7th, Song posted on his Facebook under the title "The candidate who carried the 'king (王)' on his palm and the spouse behind the curtain," expressing this view.
He explained, "Suryum (垂簾) refers to objects like several strings hung side by side to cover something. In modern terms, it is a kind of curtain," adding, "The term often paired with suryum is cheongjeong (聽政), which means deeply involving oneself in politics."
He continued, "Therefore, suryum cheongjeong (垂簾聽政) refers to the act of deeply engaging in politics behind a curtain," mentioning a statement by Im Tae-hee, former Chief of Staff to President Lee Myung-bak and newly appointed head of the People Power Party’s campaign headquarters, who said, "(Kim Gun-hee) is expected to focus more on supporting the candidate behind the curtain rather than stepping forward into politics."
He added, "It evokes the historical drama of a wise queen dowager watching court meetings from behind a curtain while a young king is presented in the old palaces."
Song argued, "It is already well known that candidate Yoon’s philosophy and content for national governance are lacking," and "Although he is a former special prosecutor who treated everyone as potential criminals, he can still be considered inexperienced in the political arena."
He said, "There are many historical examples of immature rulers whose governance was manipulated from behind. There were figures like Shin Don at the end of the Goryeo dynasty and Rasputin during the late Russian Empire, and just a few years ago, Choi Soon-sil, who emphasized 'Obangsaek' (five cardinal colors), was such a case."
He added, "I am truly curious about who might be behind the president entrusted with governance," and emphasized, "Therefore, the thoughts and background of the president’s spouse, who greatly influences presidential decision-making, must be thoroughly verified. One instance of suryum cheongjeong behind the president is enough?referring to Choi Soon-sil."
He urged, "Now, Kim Gun-hee should not talk about supporting from behind the curtain but come out in front of the people and the media to answer questions."
He also stressed, "The First Lady is a public figure representing the nation, supported by the Blue House, its secretariat, security, and public funds," and "It is a position that must be thoroughly transparent and scrutinized. Moreover, isn’t she someone with many suspicions of involvement in crimes?"
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