"Politicians Divisive... Because They Can Cause Harm"
Likely a Comment Targeting Recent Controversy Over 'Kim Ki-hyun Certification Shot'
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyun-jung] Hong Joon-pyo, the mayor of Daegu and senior advisor of the People Power Party, recently revealed on the 5th that he declined a request from a famous celebrity to take a photo together, stating that "(taking photos between politicians and celebrities) is inappropriate."
On that day, Mayor Hong said on his Facebook account, "A while ago on a weekend, while I was out exercising, a talent from Daegu who has recently become a 'trending actor' and a friend who came with him asked to take a photo together," and added, "At that time, I politely declined the request to that friend, saying it was inappropriate." He explained the reason by saying, "I thought it could cause harm to that talent."
He continued, "That talent is liked by everyone, but politicians like us have divided opinions, so if that photo is posted on SNS, I thought people who oppose me might leave malicious comments on that talent as well." He also expressed his difficulties, saying that although he has people he likes such as singers, talents, actors, and athletes, he cannot easily mention or disclose it due to concerns that it might cause harm to them.
This remark by Mayor Hong appears to indirectly criticize the recent controversy caused by Kim Ki-hyun, a candidate for the People Power Party leader, who posted a photo on Facebook taken with singer Nam Jin and volleyball player Kim Yeon-koung.
On the 27th of last month, candidate Kim posted a photo on his Facebook holding a bouquet between volleyball player Kim Yeon-koung and singer Nam Jin, writing, "Yesterday, I spent a comfortable evening with some long-missed familiar faces," showing off his friendship with them. However, Kim Yeon-koung and Nam Jin's sides revealed that they had no acquaintance with Kim and that the bouquet Kim received was not delivered by them, causing controversy.
Eventually, on the afternoon of the 1st, candidate Kim met with reporters at Seomun Market in Daegu and said, "One is a celebrity and the other is a famous athlete, so I think various inconveniences might arise for them, and I feel sorry about that," adding, "If there was any misunderstanding in the way I expressed it, I regret it."
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