"Mental Breaks Down"... What Did Cha Yuram's Husband Say?

"The Reason Why the Right-Wing Remains Silent... Still Will Keep Raising Voices"

Writer Lee Ji-seong, known as the husband of billiards player Cha Yu-ram (right), has once again come under scrutiny for his provocative remarks. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Juri] Lee Jiseong, the writer and husband of billiards player Cha Yuram, who recently faced controversy over remarks evaluating politicians' appearances, said he is being "lynched by the left."

On the 31st of last month, Lee posted on his Facebook, "I realized once again why there are no famous figures voicing right-wing opinions."

He wrote, "After speaking out once, I am being lynched by the left, and the right-wing, whom I believed to be on my side, just fold their arms and watch or even throw stones together. Once you experience this, your mental state is shattered."

He continued, "So after going through it once, everyone seems to shudder and live in silence. But not me. I will remain unchanged," he said.

Lee explained, "I will speak out more strongly with right-wing remarks and live a life that practices right-wing values. I will create a new image of a right-wing figure, and I will become a much greater figure than anyone now," he said.

Earlier, this writer caused controversy by making appearance-based remarks mentioning Assemblywoman Bae Hyun-jin, Assemblywoman Na Kyung-won, and First Lady Kim Keon-hee. Photo by Yonhap News

Earlier, on the 25th, at the 2022 People Power Party workshop held at the Talent Education Training Center in Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si, Chungnam Province, Lee said, "When you think of a conservative party, the image that comes to mind is 'grandfather image,'" adding, "There is a lack of youth and female images."

At the time, he emphasized, "The People Power Party needs the image of young and beautiful women," and continued, "There are Bae Hyunjin and Na Kyungwon, but somehow it's a bit lacking. Even with Mrs. Kim Geonhee, it's insufficient. If you (player Cha Yuram) join and become the fourth member, it will be the end (recommending her to join the party)," he said.

In response to these remarks, Representatives Bae and Na, whose names were mentioned, expressed displeasure.

Representative Bae Hyunjin questioned on her Facebook, "Forming a group of four young and beautiful women with the president's wife and public servants elected by the people? What level of perception leads to such a statement?" Former Representative Na Kyungwon responded, "Judging women by their appearance with talk of beauty, and evaluating women only by image regardless of their political ability," she said.

As the controversy continued, Lee visited Representative Bae's Facebook and left a comment saying, "If it sounded inappropriate, I apologize. I will accept your pointed remarks graciously. Thank you." Cha Yuram also apologized, saying, "I apologize for my husband's inappropriate remarks. I also completely disagree with those inappropriate comments," she said.