"No One Should Fail to Understand Irony"
Governor Kim Young-hwan of Chungbuk, who wrote a post defending the government's compensation solution for forced labor victims and stating "I am willing to become a pro-Japanese collaborator," explained that the flood of demands for apology is "not a matter of apology."
At a press conference held at the provincial office that day, Governor Kim said, "No citizen would think that the government's proposed tripartite compensation solution means that Japan has no responsibility for past history or that it is forgiven."
He particularly insisted regarding his 'pro-Japanese collaborator' remark, "I believe there is no one who does not understand the use of irony."
Governor Kim pointed out, "It is truly regrettable and pitiful that Japan has not made a sincere reflection on its past colonial invasion," adding, "If Japan had dealt with issues such as military comfort women, forced labor compensation, and Dokdo with the same attitude as Germany, it would have earned greater respect and trust in the international community."
He then evaluated, "At a time when new situations such as national security and economic issues must be explored, the government has made a difficult decision (the tripartite compensation solution)."
In a post on his SNS titled 'Today, I will not sing the Song of the Spear,' he emphasized, "Is there anyone among our people who would not be angry about the attitude they (Japan) have taken regarding past history?" and "That issue requires time to urge change and awakening."
"Today, I am willing to become a pro-Japanese collaborator"
Earlier, on the 7th, Governor Kim criticized Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who called the government's compensation solution for forced labor victims "the greatest diplomatic humiliation and stain comparable to the Samjeondo humiliation," by stating on SNS, "Today, I am willing to become a pro-Japanese collaborator."
The Samjeondo humiliation refers to King Injo's humiliating surrender declaration to the Qing Dynasty's Taizong during the Byeongja Horan (Second Manchu invasion) of Joseon.
Governor Kim said, "The essence of the problem is not that we bowed our heads to the Qing Dynasty at Samjeondo," but "It lies in Joseon's helplessness and incompetence in failing to prepare for the world's strongest Qing army crossing the Amnok River in winter, even after experiencing the Imjin War."
He called the solution a "bold decision" and stated, "I bow my head in respect to President Yoon Seok-yeol and Foreign Minister Park Jin's patriotism."
The post immediately sparked reactions. Governor Kim's SNS received hundreds of comments, including one from Prime Minister Han Duck-soo saying, "Thank you for your encouraging words, Governor."
Most comments supported President Yoon and Governor Kim, but there were also critical posts.
The Democratic Party's Chungbuk Provincial Party defined Governor Kim's remarks as "absurd remarks" in a statement that day.
On the 9th at 11 a.m., the Democratic Party's Chungbuk Provincial Party held a press conference in front of the provincial council, raising their voices, saying, "If Governor Kim does not repent and apologize to the residents even now, there will be a harsh and passionate judgment from the residents."
On the other hand, the People Power Party's Chungbuk Provincial Party claimed in a statement, "Unlike the Moon Jae-in government, which praised Kim Jong-un and supported North Korea's nuclear weapons immediately after taking power, the Yoon Seok-yeol government is working hard with Governor Kim to build a prosperous country and a happy Chungbuk."
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