Ryu Hojung, Song Younggil's 'Eorin Nom' Remark: "Isn't That a Bit Inhumane?"

Song Young-gil called Han Dong-hoon a "young punk"
Ryu Ho-jeong said, "Someone who even served as party leader..."

On the 15th, Ryu Ho-jeong, a member of the Justice Party, criticized Song Young-gil, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who exchanged heated words with Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon, saying, "I feel like he is somewhat lacking as a human being."

On the same day, Ryu appeared on SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show' and commented on Song's use of harsh language such as "young punk" toward Minister Han, saying, "I thought it was inappropriate even to call him a 'kkondae' (old-fashioned authoritarian)."

She then referred to Song's past statement about "overcoming kkondae politics," saying, "When Song declared his candidacy for party leader in April 2021, he said we must overcome 'kkondae politics,' but it seems the Democratic Party has proven itself unable to overcome it." Ryu added, "Even among kkondae, it is rare to hear such profanity. Someone who has held public office and even served as party leader should never speak like that."

Ryu Ho-jeong, Justice Party member. [Photo by Yonhap News]

Regarding Song, she said, "He became a member of the National Assembly and entered politics because his social life as a labor activist and human rights lawyer was recognized, but it is quite bitter to see such an unfavorable end," adding, "If this is how senior activists end up, it is truly regrettable."

She continued, "According to the anti-dictatorship democratization worldview, senior democratization activists are warriors fighting for democracy, and it is acceptable for them to become radical at times," emphasizing, "But the more this happens, the more Minister Han gains public support."

Earlier, on the 9th, at his book launch event, Song called for the impeachment of Minister Han, stating, "Where else is there such an arrogant guy?" and "A young punk came to the National Assembly and mocked and humiliated all 300 members of the National Assembly, who are not only his seniors in life but also far senior prosecutors."

In response, Minister Han issued a statement on the 11th, saying, "Just because someone was an activist in their youth, without making any productive contribution to society, they have morally lorded over most citizens who have earned their own living and worked hard for decades," and added, "They have made Korean politics miserable for decades."