"After listening continuously, it seems like 'ballimyeon' containing 'b' and 'r' sounds," claim
[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Joo-hee] Regarding the remarks made by President Yoon Seok-yeol during his visit to New York, USA, which sparked a 'profanity controversy,' People Power Party lawmaker Cho Kyung-tae claimed that neither 'Biden' nor 'nallimyeon' could be heard clearly, and that it rather sounded like 'ballimyeon.'
On the 21st (local time), after the 7th replenishment conference of the Global Fund hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden in New York, President Yoon was caught on camera seemingly using profanity, saying, "If these ×× in the National Assembly don't approve it, how embarrassing would it be for Biden?" This caused controversy. In response, the presidential office explained that President Yoon said 'nallimyeon' instead of 'Biden.' However, lawmaker Cho stated that it was neither 'Biden' nor 'nallimyeon,' but sounded like 'ballimyeon.' The term 'ballida' is a slang meaning 'to be overwhelmingly defeated by the opponent.'
On the 26th, Cho appeared on TBS Radio's 'Kim Eo-jun's News Factory' and said, "I listened to the audio about 100 times. After continuous listening, it seems that both 'ㅂ' (b) and 'ㄹ' (l) sounds are present," adding, "The opposition claims it is 'Biden,' which contains 'ㅂ,' and the presidential office claims it is 'nallimyeon,' which contains 'ㄹ.' So, combining them, it sounds like 'bal.' This expression is also somewhat profane."
When the host pointed out that 'ballimyeon' does not fit the context, Cho insisted, "No, it fits. You know the meaning of 'ballida,' right?" According to Cho's claim, President Yoon's remark would be, "If they don't approve it, and we get 'ballida,' how embarrassing would that be?"
Cho further said, "If someone definitively states it one way, it tends to be heard that way," suggesting that because the remark was initially reported as 'Biden,' it influenced how people heard it.
Cho also mentioned the presidential office's explanation that "'nal' and 'ㄴ' are not clearly heard," adding, "The difference lies in whether 'ㅂ' is heard and whether 'ㄹ' is attached or not."
However, Cho pointed out that the media should have been cautious in reporting to prevent this controversy from escalating into a diplomatic issue. He said, "(The U.S. side) expressed 'I don't care' and 'no comment,' indicating they do not consider it a problem," and questioned, "How much does excessively amplifying this controversy in some media actually benefit our national interests?"
He added, "Haven't leaders of various countries been involved in controversies over profanities or insults multiple times?" and "President Biden himself once swore quite harshly during a press conference or official event, not realizing the microphone was on."
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