Lee Jun-seok Clarifies 'CheonjikXX'... "Created by Hong Jun-pyo"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Former People Power Party leader Lee Jun-seok, who has been exerting influence in the party's leadership election, recently clarified that the controversial slogan 'CheonjjikXX (meaning "Vote for Cheon Haram to protect free politics")', which sparked controversy over sexual disparagement, was "a phrase used by former leader Hong Joon-pyo as his own slogan."

On the 15th, on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' Lee said, "Most of the famous internet memes in our party were created by former Mayor Hong. Even recently, phrases like 'mwojjikXX' all originated from former leader Hong's presidential campaign slogans from the past."

Previously, Lee shared a promotional poster for candidate Cheon with the phrase 'CheonjjikXX' on his social media, which caused controversy over its sexual suggestiveness and disparagement. Former lawmaker Jeon Yeo-ok criticized Lee, saying it reminded her of allegations of sexual bribery against him.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

However, Lee explained that it was merely a parody of former leader Hong's slogan and had nothing to do with sexual disparagement. He said, "On our party's banners, there was a large sign saying 'Vote for Hong Joon-pyo to protect Free Korea,' which is the origin of 'HongjjikXX.'" He added, "All the slogans on the campaign vehicles said 'Vote for Hong Joon-pyo to protect Free Korea,' and that was Hong Joon-pyo's slogan."

He also engaged in a verbal exchange with pro-Yoon faction members who criticized him as 'coal gas,' responding by calling them 'cockroaches.' He explained that 'cockroaches' was also a term used by former leader Hong. He said, "Both 'coal gas' and 'cockroaches' were originally terms created by former leader Hong. Not exactly created, but politically used." He elaborated, "When he was party leader, if there were opposing opinions, he would say that during elections, there are people who creep up like coal gas, and 'cockroaches' referred to the pro-Park faction."

Looking ahead, he predicted that candidate Cheon's momentum would continue as the main election progresses. He said, "If this trend continues, the structure could become 'Kim Ki-hyun versus Cheon Haram,' and candidate Ahn Cheol-soo's side is likely to fumble and fail to attack either side effectively."

Lee explained, "The structural reason why candidate Ahn's approval ratings continue to decline as the election reaches its midpoint is because once his ratings rise and he thinks he is in the winning zone, he starts looking for favorable polls." He added that those who accompanied candidate Ahn commonly share this assessment.

Regarding People Power Party lawmaker Kim Jeong-jae's metaphor of a 'scared dog,' Lee said, "Kim's constituency is Pohang, Gyeongbuk. Many people there think that as long as they get the nomination, they will win, rather than fighting a proper election." He continued, "On the other hand, candidate Cheon, although from Daegu, is challenging in Suncheon to try big politics. Threatening Cheon with 'You won't get the Suncheon nomination' is somewhat laughable."