Son Hye-won Posts Photos of Kim Gun-hee Saying "I Already Knew Her Face Changed..."
Jin Hye-won Calls It "A Good Example of Enhancing Appearance Through Plastic Surgery"
Netizens Say "Appearance Criticism Is Low-Class"
[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Former Democratic Party lawmaker Son Hyewon posted past photos of Kim Gunhee, the spouse of People Power Party presidential candidate Yoon Seokyeol, and said, "Her pupils have become very large." In response, Jin Hyewon, deputy chief prosecutor of the Ansan branch with a pro-government stance, also chimed in, calling it "a good example of enhancing appearance through plastic surgery." Some criticized this, pointing out that publicly evaluating a woman's appearance is inappropriate and labeling it as "appearance disparagement."
Former lawmaker Son recently posted side-by-side photos of Kim's past and present on her Facebook, writing, "I already knew her face had changed, but looking closely, her pupils have become very large."
Prosecutor Jin commented on this post, saying, "The shape of the lips is distinct, the lower lip is turned outward, and the lower jaw protrudes slightly forward, so I think this is a good example of enhancing appearance through plastic surgery that brings out feminine charm and self-esteem. From a physiognomy perspective."
Prosecutor Jin is a figure who has stirred controversy by posting numerous posts criticizing the opposition party on Facebook. In particular, she faced public criticism for causing secondary harm to the victim in the sexual harassment case involving the late former Seoul Mayor Park Wonsoon.
Netizens pointed out that former lawmaker Son's post, which seemed to evaluate Kim's appearance, was inappropriate. One netizen criticized, "Do you think it is right for a female politician to point out another woman's appearance? Criticizing appearance is pathetic. It is even more frustrating because people with some social status behave like that. Such remarks are also appearance disparagement."
Other critical responses followed, such as "Why is having plastic surgery a problem?", "It's low and vulgar. So childish," "Now they are mocking the candidate's wife’s plastic surgery? It's shameful and embarrassing," and "Mocking based on appearance is not right. In an era where even teenagers get plastic surgery, I don't think it's appropriate to post past photos and criticize like this."
This is not the first time the ruling party has been criticized for posting about Kim. Earlier, on the 17th of last month, Han Junho, chief of staff for Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung, caused controversy by comparing Kim with Lee's spouse Kim Hye-kyung, writing, "Mother of two children Kim Hye-kyung vs. dog mom Kim Gunhee. The First Lady also represents national dignity." "Tori" is the name of Yoon's pet dog, and this was a pointed remark about Kim raising a pet dog without having given birth.
As the controversy grew, the post was edited to "Kim Hye-kyung vs. Kim Gunhee," but criticism continued. Eventually, Representative Han posted again on Facebook, saying, "There was controversy and criticism due to my post a few days ago," and "I sincerely apologize to those who felt uncomfortable or hurt because of it."
He added, "I never intended to distinguish women based on childbirth status, but I acknowledge that there was room for misunderstanding in the expression process," and "I will take this as an opportunity to be more careful and reflective in the future."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
