"Before Entering Politics, No Intent to Insult" Explanation
Political Circles Demand Resignation Amid Continued Abusive Remarks
Former People Power Party Supreme Council member Jang Ye-chan, who had previously apologized for inappropriate remarks, has once again been embroiled in a 'verbal abuse' controversy. On the 14th, the political circles, including the Reform New Party, criticized Jang once again based on posts he had uploaded on his social media (SNS) in the past. The post in question was originally posted on Jang's Facebook on November 28, 2012.
In this post, Jang wrote, "The more I work at the cultural center, the more I realize daily how low the general cultural level of ordinary Seoul citizens is," adding, "There is no need to go as far as Europe. Let's compare with nearby Japan, which is often criticized and mocked," and questioned, "In terms of civic consciousness and cultural level, can we even come close to a speck of a Japanese person's fingernail clippings?" Currently, the post is no longer accessible.
As the controversy spread, Jang's side explained, "This was a post from 12 years ago when he was 24 and before he started his political career, with no intention of disparagement," and stated, "Politician Jang Ye-chan will work with an attitude of serving the people." Jang, who is running for the Busan Suyeong District in the upcoming April 10 general election, had previously been involved in controversy over a 2014 post. At that time, he said, "If someone enjoys orgies every night and, regardless of being male or female, flirts with anyone if they look pretty, but shows professionalism and responsibility in their duties, wouldn't a society that respects such a person as a professional be a healthy society?"
In this article, former Supreme Council member Jang wrote, "The more I work at the cultural center, the more I realize every day how low the general cultural level of Seoul citizens is," adding, "There is no need to go as far as Europe. Let's compare with nearby Japan, which is often criticized and mocked," and questioned, "Can we even come close to matching the Japanese in terms of civic consciousness and cultural level, even by a fraction of a toenail's dirt?" The original article is currently unavailable. [Photo by Online Community]
As the backlash grew, Jang posted on Facebook the day before, saying, "Although it was 10 years ago when I was 26 and before I was involved in broadcasting or politics, I think I should have been more careful with unrefined expressions," and "I sincerely bow my head and apologize." With less than a month remaining until the April 10 election, the Democratic Party of Korea launched fierce attacks targeting Jang, who has been caught up in successive verbal abuse controversies. Choi Min-seok, spokesperson for the Democratic Party, said at a press briefing that day, "Jang Ye-chan of the People Power Party, who habitually disparages our people and praises Japan, is not qualified to be a representative of the people even to the slightest degree," and urged his resignation, saying, "Jang Ye-chan, who is low and uncultured, disparages the people while indulging in pro-Japanese sentiments and even praises Japanese fingernail clippings."
The Ruling Party States, "We Will Observe While Considering the Candidate's Attitude"
The People Power Party stated that it is also monitoring the inappropriate remarks controversy surrounding former Supreme Council member Jang Ye-chan, the candidate for Busan Suyeong District, in relation to the 'verbal abuse risk' emerging ahead of the April 10 general election. On the 15th, Jang Dong-hyuk, secretary-general of the People Power Party, told reporters at the National Assembly, "We will observe while considering the content of the remarks, the problematic points, how they are perceived by the public, and the candidate's stance on the matter."
When asked, "Considering that an apology was posted after the (orgy remarks, etc.) became an issue, can it be seen as sincere?" he maintained, "We will consider the content of the apology, as well as the candidate's attitude and position." This is interpreted as a call for a sincere apology from Jang. The People Power Party canceled the nominations of Jeong Woo-taek, the candidate for Cheongju Sangdang, who was accused of accepting money envelopes late last night, and Do Tae-woo, the candidate for Daegu Jung-Nam, who was involved in a controversy over belittling the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement. Accordingly, there is great interest in the party's judgment regarding Jang, whose past verbal abuses continue to surface.
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