No Jae-seung on 'Controversial Remarks' "If It's Because of Past Statements, Lee Jae-myung Should Also Step Down from Candidacy"

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Noh Jae-seung, co-chairman of the People Power Party's joint election campaign committee, was asked whether there had been discussions about his resignation due to his past controversial remarks. He responded by pointing to Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, saying, "If I have to step down as co-chairman because of past remarks, wouldn't there also be candidates who should step down from the presidential race because of their past remarks?"

In an interview with YTN on the 8th, Noh said, "I was not even a member of the People Power Party; I was just an ordinary citizen," adding, "I made those remarks as a private individual before being appointed co-chairman. If I had made such remarks today, I would accept criticism and calls for resignation."

He also said, "If I could talk to my past self, I would say, 'Jaeseung, you will become the People Power Party's campaign co-chairman in December 2021, so be careful with your remarks,'" adding, "It would be a lie to say I don't regret it."

Earlier, on August 15, Noh shared a post stating, "There are posters featuring Kim Gu but none featuring President Rhee Syngman," and wrote, "Kim Gu was a person who killed someone just because the gukbap (rice soup) was served late."

On May 18, he shared a YouTube video titled "The Truth of May 18" on social media, writing, "The foremost sanctifier of the Republic of Korea. They even enacted a special law to block any discussion about it. What are they trying to hide?"

Regarding the video, Noh said, "The so-called mini-documentary is based on very historical materials and takes a very objective and neutral stance while illuminating historical events."

He continued, "The Democratic Party asks whether it is appropriate for someone who called May 18 a riot to become a campaign co-chairman of a public party, but I have never said such a thing," adding, "I have always thought of May 18 as a democratization movement, never as a riot."

He also clarified, "Just because I shared that video does not mean I agree with every scene or word in it."

Furthermore, he said, "Judging whether it is right or wrong itself goes against the spirit of May 18," and added, "I believe the hearts of all those who participated in the May 18 democratization movement are to allow citizens to freely express their opinions and actions and to freely enjoy democracy within a democratic society."