Park Ji-hyun "Politics by Hallym University Graduates? Has SKY's Political Arena Been Perfect Until Now?"

"Ability Evaluation Criteria Should Not Be Based Solely on Academic Background"

Park Ji-hyun, Co-Chair of the Emergency Response Committee of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Emergency Response Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 18th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] Park Ji-hyun, co-chair of the Emergency Response Committee of the Democratic Party of Korea, raised her voice regarding her academic background amid criticism, saying, "Most people in politics right now are so-called 'SKY (Seoul National University, Korea University, Yonsei University) graduates. People who have been good at studying have been involved in politics so far, so shouldn't the political arena be perfect?"

On the 26th, Park appeared on the YouTube channel SisaIN and said, "I graduated from Hallym University in Chuncheon, but many around me say things like 'What kind of politics can someone from Hallym University do?'"

Park emphasized, "I believe that my presence in the Democratic Party truly shows diversity. Anyone should be able to engage in politics regardless of academic background, and capable people should come. The criteria for evaluating ability should not be solely academic background."

She continued, "For me, attending a prestigious school or studying was not the main issue. I wanted to learn more from society, and at school, I focused more on extracurricular activities such as overseas volunteer work and the National March rather than studying," adding, "Studying and grades should not be the only answers, and I hope our society’s evaluation criteria look at what a person has done as a whole. I hope they do not judge by a single standard."

Park, who gained attention as an activist from the 'Chujeokdan Bulkkot' group that first exposed the 2019 digital sex crime 'Nth Room case,' entered politics by joining the election campaign committee of then-presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung in the last presidential election, and was recently appointed co-chair of the Democratic Party's Emergency Response Committee.

Yoon Ho-jung, co-chair of the Democratic Party's Emergency Response Committee, said during the announcement of the committee lineup at the National Assembly on the 13th, "Despite all kinds of threats, Park Ji-hyun has resisted and fought against illegality and injustice. The determination and actions representing youth are exactly the values that the Democratic Party needs right now," adding, "Park will lead policies overall from the perspective of youth, who are socially vulnerable, including measures against sexual crimes and women's policies. Expectations are very high."