"Beware, It's a Crime" Lee Jae-myung vs. People Power Party, Controversy Over Citizen's Insult During Campaign 'Verbal Clash'

Lee Jae-myung, the Chief Election Committee Chairperson of the Democratic Party of Korea, is following a vehicle after a citizen shouted insults while passing by in a car on the night of the 18th. Photo by YouTube channel 'Hwanggija TV' capture

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lee Gyehwa] Lee Jae-myung, the general election campaign committee chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea (candidate for the National Assembly in Incheon Gyeyang-eul), warned a citizen who swore during a campaign rally by saying, "Swearing is a criminal act."

According to YouTube and other sources on the 19th, Lee's campaign held a rally near Imhak-dong, Gyeyang-gu, Incheon the previous night. Afterwards, when a black van had to slow down due to being blocked by the campaign team, the occupant of the van rolled down the window and swore, which Lee, who was passing by, heard.

Lee followed the vehicle, tapping it with his hand, and said, "Swearing is a criminal act. We are recording everything, so be careful," adding, "Whether you like it or not, swearing is not allowed." The campaign members also warned the vehicle occupant, saying, "We have recorded the video."

Lee Jae-myung, the General Election Committee Chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea, warned a citizen who was cursing while passing by in a car, saying, "You are being recorded. Be careful." Photo by Hwang 기자, captured from the YouTube channel 'Hwanggija TV'.

As this fact became known, criticism arose from the ruling party. Park Min-young, spokesperson for the People Power Party, shared the video on her Facebook on the 19th and said, "Is this 'street fighting' this time? You know very well that swearing is a crime, so why did you utter such vulgar insults to your sister-in-law?" She criticized, "I understand that since your time as mayor of Seongnam, you have made it a routine to fight with citizens who filed complaints, and the public will click their tongues saying, 'That habit never goes away.'

She continued, "Seeing you bickering and having emotional fights with voters is somewhat pitiful. It means you are that anxious," adding, "Still, please act with some consideration for the consequences." She emphasized, "This is not the old People Power Party. We are preparing legal measures including large-scale public opinion responses against the privatization fabrication and agitation, so be well prepared."

In response, Jeong Jin-wook, spokesperson for Lee’s campaign, issued a rebuttal statement, pointing out that Lee stopped the swearing that was disrupting the street campaign, and that the People Power Party brought up the pain of Lee’s mother being assaulted again.