Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, has instructed the Ethics Inspection Team to investigate cases where a prospective candidate for next year's general election makes insulting remarks toward other candidates or party members.
Kang Sun-woo, spokesperson for the Democratic Party, stated at a National Assembly briefing on the 11th, "Leader Lee said that excessive language that undermines party unity and insulting remarks that damage the dignity of others are inappropriate, and he has ordered an investigation into such conduct overall."
Leader Lee's directive appears to be aimed at Yang Moon-seok, former regional committee chairman for Tongyeong-Goseong and a pro-Lee faction member, regarding his recent "watermelon remark." On the 5th, Yang announced his intention to run in the constituency of Jeon Hae-cheol, a key figure in the pro-Moon (pro-Moon Jae-in) faction, in Gyeonggi Ansan Sangnok Gap, saying, "I will uproot the watermelon. I will break the watermelon itself." The term "watermelon" is a derogatory expression used to belittle the pro-Moon faction and the anti-Lee faction.
When asked whether Yang's "watermelon remark" is subject to investigation, spokesperson Kang explained, "The instruction covers that matter as well as the overall situation."
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