Regarding Yang Moon-seok, who wrote the column 'Roh Moo-hyun is a Defective Product'
Lee Jae-myung: "Apology is necessary but standards must be consistent"
"Downplaying May 18 and pro-Japanese remarks are the real abusive language"
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, expressed a negative stance on replacing candidate Yang Moon-seok, who became embroiled in controversy over derogatory remarks about the late former President Roh Moo-hyun, citing the "people's standards." Yang, running as the Democratic Party candidate in the Ansan-si Gap electoral district of Gyeonggi Province, has faced criticism both inside and outside the party for a 2008 column in which he likened former President Roh to a "defective product."
On the morning of the 18th, during a press conference at the Gyeongui Line Forest Trail in Mapo-gu, Seoul, Lee responded to a reporter's question about Yang's status by saying, "I think we can stop talking about (Yang) now," adding, "Not answering is also an answer." However, he continued, "Since you insist, I will say a few words," and stated, "The standard for all judgments is the people's standards." He further explained, "It is truly irresponsible speech that calls into question the identity as a citizen of the Republic of Korea, such as belittling the May 18 Democratic Uprising or making pro-Japanese remarks. Yang's remarks went too far and he should apologize, but whether to hold him more accountable is something the people will decide."
Lee then raised the level of criticism against the People Power Party by mentioning the play Hwan-saeng-gyeong-je (Reincarnation Economy). He said, "Search for Hwan-saeng-gyeong-je and see," claiming, "They insulted former President Roh with harsh language and curses." He added, "Anyone can criticize the language that condemns former President Roh, but at the very least, the People Power Party does not have the right to do so." The play Hwan-saeng-gyeong-je mentioned by Lee is a play performed by the Grand National Party (the predecessor of the People Power Party) in August 2004 in Gokseong, Jeollanam-do. The play was prepared by the 'Yeouido Troupe,' composed of Grand National Party lawmakers, and mainly criticized former President Roh for failing to properly revive the economy.
When reporters asked two more questions about candidate Yang, Lee responded, "Please ask other questions," and abruptly ended the press conference. While the Democratic Party has announced a strict stance on candidates who make offensive remarks, it has decided to allow Yang to maintain his candidacy.
On the same day, Lee visited Mapo-gu to support Lee Ji-eun, former senior superintendent running in Mapo-gu Gap, and Jeong Cheong-rae, Supreme Council member running in Mapo-gu Eul, delivering strong endorsements. After the press conference, Lee continued his support speech without a microphone.
Lee's subsequent remarks mainly focused on appealing for support for the pan-opposition proportional representation alliance party, the "Democratic United Party," and criticizing "politics of betrayal." He said, "I haven't said this until now, but I will," emphasizing, "It is good to have many allies, but there must be more friends." By likening the Justice Innovation Party, which shares the "regime judgment theory," to allies, he appeared to indirectly check the party's rise.
He added, "Politics of betrayal is fundamentally hard to be accepted," and "Once you betray, you betray again." This was interpreted as a remark targeting Cho Jeong-hoon, the People Power Party candidate opposing former senior superintendent Lee Ji-eun. Cho was formerly a member of the Transition Korea party, which participated in the Democratic Party's satellite party, the Democratic Citizen Party, in the last general election. However, after Transition Korea merged with the People Power Party, Cho is running as the People Power Party candidate in Mapo-gu Gap in the 22nd general election.
Meanwhile, shortly after Lee left the venue, a confrontation lasting about five minutes occurred between Cho's supporters, who were plogging (picking up trash while walking), and Democratic Party supporters who remained on site. Democratic Party supporters called Cho's supporters "traitors," while Cho's supporters chanted "Cho Jeong-hoon."
On the 18th, Democratic Party supporters and supporters of People Power Party candidate Jo Jeong-hoon are confronting each other around the Gyeongui Line Forest Trail area in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Oh Ji-eun
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