Lee Won-wook: "Song Young-gil, 'Young Kid,' Shows the Downfall of 586·486 Politicians"

Former Democratic Party leader Song Young-gil has sparked a 'verbal abuse controversy' by making remarks such as calling Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon an 'immature kid,' continuing his harsh criticism. In response, Lee Won-wook, a Democratic Party lawmaker who claims to be part of the party's 'reform faction,' said, "I think this is a scene where the 586 (people in their 50s, who entered university in the 1980s, born in the 1960s) and 486 politicians are being brought down."

On the 15th, on KBS's 'Special 1 Radio Today,' Lee said, "Expressions like 'immature kid' and 'lousy' are being thrown around, but I think these are roles that politicians really should not be playing."

Lee Won-wook, Member of the Democratic Party of Korea./Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

Last week, at a book launch event held at Jogyesa Temple, former leader Song caused controversy by saying about Minister Han, "That immature kid came to the National Assembly and mocked and humiliated not only the 300 members of the National Assembly who are his seniors in life but also many who are senior prosecutors."

When Minister Han retorted, "You have made Korean politics lousy for decades," former leader Song continued his criticism on SBS radio the day before, saying, "He is not just doing lousy politics but is doing a lousy job as the Minister of Justice and conducting investigations poorly."

However, lawmaker Lee expressed concern that former leader Song's behavior could lead to the downfall of the 586 and 486 politicians. He said, "Putting aside his personal issues, whether you call them 586 or 486, he is bringing down the entire group of those politicians," adding, "Is it really acceptable for a representative politician of the 586 generation to use such language? Is it okay to engage in such hateful politics?"

There are also many concerns that the 'Principles and Common Sense' group, composed of non-mainstream (非明) figures, which is about to launch, could eventually lead to party defections or the formation of a new party. Regarding this, lawmaker Lee said, "That is not the case," adding, "For now, the goal is to try to improve the party and deliver messages that give hope to the people."

At the same time, he left room for future discussions, saying, "When the final election in December is fully introduced as a system, we will have other discussions then. But we have not had such discussions yet."