Current SNS Post Deleted
Netizens Say "Infertile Couples Are Shedding Tears of Blood"
Yoon Seok-yeol, the spouse of the People Power Party's presidential candidate Kim Geon-hee. / Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] A Seoul city council member from the Democratic Party of Korea is facing backlash after posting a comment about Kim Geon-hee, the spouse of Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate from the People Power Party, saying, "Can someone with an empty heart who has never held a child embrace the vulnerable?"
On the 9th, Kim Gyeong-yeong, a Democratic Party Seoul city council member, wrote on her Facebook, "Can a privileged person who has never experienced hardship understand the struggles of ordinary people? Can someone with an empty heart who has never held a child embrace the vulnerable? Can a person who has never given birth and raised children truly understand sacrifice?" She deleted the post after it sparked controversy.
Although Kim did not specify a target, her remarks are interpreted as directed at Kim Geon-hee.
Kim deleted the post belatedly, but netizens have left critical comments on her Facebook page.
Netizens commented, "Does she understand the heart of a mother who has suffered a miscarriage?", "Because she has never raised children, she is willing to endure all sacrifices just to have one child," "Infertile couples living in daily pain are shedding tears of blood over your post," and "Deleting the post doesn’t end this. Apologize."
Lee Ki-in, a People Power Party city council member from Seongnam, also criticized on his Facebook, "Council member Kim Gyeong-yeong, it seems you hastily deleted the post after posting it. Apologize immediately," adding, "Does a person with such a despicable character who disparages citizens who have never held a child or raised children truly understand sacrifice?"
Earlier, in November last year, Han Jun-ho, a Democratic Party member of the National Assembly, wrote on his SNS, "Kim Hye-kyung vs. Kim Geon-hee. The First Lady also represents national dignity," saying, "'Mother of two children' Kim Hye-kyung VS 'Tori’s mom' Kim Geon-hee." Tori is the name of the Yoon couple’s pet dog.
After the controversy, Han acknowledged, "I never intended to distinguish women based on childbirth, but I admit there was room for misunderstanding in the expression," and added, "I will be more careful and use this as an opportunity for reflection. I apologize once again."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
