The Incident Caused by Saying "Respected Park Geun-hye" and People Taking It Seriously

Lee Jae-myung "Words Have Context, Not Really Respecting Park" Explanation
"'Daejang-dong Special Prosecutor', 'Cho Kuk Apology' Taken Seriously" Parodies Continue
Expert "Light Remarks Could Be Risky... Damaging Own Sincerity"

Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, attended an invited lecture at the Financial Economy Seminar held at Seoul National University in Gwanak-gu, Seoul on the 7th, engaging in a free discussion with students on the theme of economic policy direction and philosophy. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Regarding the recent controversy over the use of the expression "Respected President Park Geun-hye," Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea's presidential candidate, said, "When I said 'Respected President Park Geun-hye,' people really thought I respected her." He implied that it was not said out of genuine respect, but online, parodies mocking his remarks, such as "When I said 'Respected citizens,' people really thought I meant it," have been flooding the internet.

On the 3rd, during a talk concert held in Jeonju, Jeonbuk, Lee mentioned former President Park using the expression "respected." Some interpreted this as an attempt by Lee to appeal to moderate voters. Previously, Lee had praised former President Park Chung-hee's construction of the Gyeongbu Expressway and other economic achievements, showing considerable efforts to broaden his appeal.

As the remarks became a hot topic, Lee clarified a few days later that this was not the intended meaning. At a finance and economics seminar at Seoul National University on the 7th, Lee said, "Words have context, and ignoring the context is the real problem," adding, "People say I pretended to respect her to get votes, but that's not true at all. It underestimates the collective intelligence of our citizens."

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, visited the Hanok Village in Jeonju, Jeonbuk on the 3rd, appealing for support from citizens. Photo by Yonhap News

Lee's explanation only fueled the controversy. Online, parodies mocking his remarks have continued to appear. Netizens criticized him by referencing his previous statements, such as "When I said 'Respected citizens,' people really thought I meant it," "When I said I would accept a special prosecutor for Daejang-dong, people really thought I meant it," and "When I apologized for the Cho Kuk incident, people really thought I meant it."

Some netizens expressed anger, saying Lee is "mocking the people." There is criticism that politicians' words, even minor ones, can cause significant repercussions, but Lee seems to treat them as mere jokes.

Specific remarks by presidential candidates can greatly influence approval ratings. In fact, Lee's approval rating recently rose sharply in Daegu and Gyeongbuk (TK), known as a conservative stronghold. According to a Korea Gallup poll released on the 3rd (conducted from November 30 to December 2), Lee's support in TK was 28%. This is a 19 percentage point increase from the previous survey (9%).

Although this poll was conducted before Lee's "Respected former President Park Geun-hye" remark, the dominant analysis is that Lee's previous favorable comments about former President Park Chung-hee influenced this rise. Considering the context as Lee explained, and his past actions, it is not unreasonable to interpret the "Respected former President Park Geun-hye" remark as an attempt to court votes.

Ultimately, critics say that by actively clarifying an issue that did not need elaboration, Lee undermined trust. Won Hee-ryong, head of policy at the People Power Party's election committee, criticized Lee, saying he "uses duplicitous language like a con artist."

On the 8th, appearing on CBS Radio's "Kim Hyun-jung's News Show," Won said, "It's the same with the land ownership tax and basic income pledges," adding, "He says, 'If the public strongly opposes, I won't do it, but I am confident I can persuade them.' So is he going to do it or not? He uses double talk. A national leader should not use double talk. When changing positions, they must sincerely reflect and explain the reasons to the public."

Experts analyzed that Lee's casual remarks could pose risks. Political commentator Lee Jong-hoon said, "He claims he was joking and that people misunderstood. Then when is he serious? Can we take his words at face value? Doubts are inevitable," adding, "He is damaging the sincerity of his words himself."