Chairman Han Campaigns at Suwon Jidong Motgol Market on the 7th
Joo Jin-woo Appears at Market... Supporters Protest
On the 7th, Han Dong-hoon, the Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, visited Suwon City in Gyeonggi Province, one of the key strategic points in the Seoul metropolitan area. During the visit, broadcaster Joo Jin-woo appeared, causing a commotion as he was met with insults and protests from People Power Party supporters.
On that day, Chairman Han visited Suwon, a difficult electoral district where the People Power Party does not hold a single seat, to appeal for voter support. After holding a meeting with the Jidong Motgol Market Merchants Association along with People Power Party preliminary candidates running in the Suwon area, he stated, "With the ruling party's administrative power and legislative drive secured, I will work for the development of Suwon citizens."
However, a video posted on a conservative-leaning YouTube channel captured Joo Jin-woo, formerly of 'Naneun Ggomsooda' (NaGgomSu), appearing on one side of the market where crowds had gathered to see Chairman Han and the People Power Party candidates. One citizen shouted, "It's Joo Jin-woo!" and other citizens and YouTubers also noticed him, drawing attention.
The scene, which had been chanting Chairman Han's name, quickly filled with shouting. Some supporters yelled at Joo, "Hey, why are you here, man?" and "Do you know where this is?" In response, Joo looked around awkwardly and gave a slight smile. Surrounded by protesting crowds, he stood pressed against a wall for about 50 seconds. Then, following a gesture from a man behind him to enter a nearby commercial building, he moved inside. Some supporters expressed their resentment by shouting insults like "Get lost" toward Joo's back.
The reason for Joo's appearance at Jidong Motgol Market that day is not yet known, but it is presumed that, as a former journalist, he came to cover the scene. Supporters left comments on the video such as "A spy has appeared" and "Drive out Joo Jin-woo's fake news."
People Power Party Emergency Response Committee Chairman Han Dong-hoon is visiting Jidong Motgol Market in Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do on the afternoon of the 7th, waving his hand and greeting citizens. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Last year, Joo was the host of KBS Radio's 'Joo Jin-woo Live,' which faced legal sanctions over a broadcast related to allegations of civilian (Cheongong) interference in the presidential residence. Earlier, in January, the Korea Communications Standards Commission decided on a legal sanction of 'warning' for the episode of 'Joo Jin-woo Live,' ruling that it violated the objectivity clause of the broadcasting standards. 'Joo Jin-woo Live' was discontinued in November last year shortly after KBS President Park Min took office.
On the 4th, KBS notified Joo of a ban on his appearances. In response, Joo said, "It's funny but also sad. If appearances are banned without any reason like this, no one can be free. Chairman Han Dong-hoon should not be allowed to appear either," adding, "If this is not media suppression, then what is it?"
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