Kim Haeng's 2012 Remarks Spark Debate
Kim: "Will Sue After General Election"... Jin: "Go Ahead"
Former Minister of Gender Equality and Family nominee Kim Haeng and Kwangwoon University professor Jin Joong-kwon engaged in a heated argument during a live radio interview, even mentioning 'lawsuits.' As the two continued their dispute, the host, trying to intervene, eventually asked for the microphones to be turned off, resulting in a brief moment of silence on air.
On the 15th, during CBS Radio's "Park Jae-hong's One Round Match," the two exchanged opinions on recent political issues and fake news, leading to a verbal clash over Kim's past remarks. The broadcast was also streamed on YouTube.
Kim Haeng, former Minister of Gender Equality and Family nominee (left), and Jin Joong-kwon, professor at Kwangwoon University, arguing during a live radio broadcast[Image source=CBS Radio YouTube capture, Yonhap News]
While discussing fake news, former nominee Kim addressed panelist Professor Jin, saying, "There is something I really want to ask you. I have never said that 'even if raped, one must give birth.' But Professor Jin has attacked me heavily on that point."
Kim had previously stated in a 2012 YouTube broadcast, "Even if a woman does not want to be pregnant, for example, if she is very poor, or the man has run away, or she was raped, in any case, when a woman gives birth, I think there should be some tolerance that we can all accept gently. With that kind of tolerance, I believe a woman can somehow raise the child."
She added, "I never said that even if raped, one must give birth. What kind of crazy woman would say that? If a child is born, I was talking about that child. The state and society must protect children born in such circumstances." In response, Professor Jin said, "Isn't that the same thing? Assuming a situation where a child is born from rape inherently carries the risk of being interpreted that way, and this is a matter of interpretation." He further stated, "It sounds as if the woman who gives birth in such a case really wanted to have the child. We should not assume such possibilities. Using such expressions is very inappropriate. If many people have interpreted it that way, you should acknowledge the fault in your expression."
The two continued their debate for about five minutes on this issue. During the argument, Kim said, "After the general election, Professor Jin is also on the list of people I will sue," to which Jin replied, "Yes, go ahead." Despite the host's attempts to stop them, the argument persisted, prompting the host to ask the technical staff to "turn off the microphones." As a result, the microphones were briefly turned off during the live broadcast.
After calming the two down, the host asked them to apologize to the listeners. Kim said, "I am truly sorry. I have many wounds," and Professor Jin also apologized, saying, "I'm sorry." The host concluded the broadcast by apologizing to the audience as well.
The day after the broadcast, on the 16th, former nominee Kim issued a press release stating, "I was subjected to 'character assassination' by the sharp tongue of political commentator Jin Joong-kwon," adding, "I thought he would apologize, but yesterday he distorted my remarks again and unleashed harsh criticism." She also claimed that CBS Radio removed the subtitle of her statement "when a woman gives birth" from the problematic part of her remarks and said, "The circumstances must be clarified, and responsibility will be demanded."
Kim was nominated as Minister of Gender Equality and Family but voluntarily withdrew in October last year amid various allegations. Recently, she reportedly applied for nomination from the People Power Party's satellite party for proportional representation, 'People's Future.'
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