"Deep Regret... Politicians' Standards Have Hit Rock Bottom"
Lee Nak-yeon , co-chair of Saeroun Mirae, criticized Lee Jae-myung , leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, on the 22nd for comparing Hwang Sang-moo, the Presidential Office's Senior Secretary for Civil Society, calling the 'kitchen knife terror' remark to the May 18 Democratic Movement, saying "The level of politicians has hit rock bottom" and "I express deep regret."
The co-chair posted on Facebook that day under the title "Lee Jae-myung's May 18 slander," stating, "Lee's remarks at the Democratic Party's Gunsan rally were shocking."
The co-chair pointed out, "He described the May 18 new military regime's massacre of citizens in language that cannot be uttered," and "Even if it was meant as a metaphor to criticize former Secretary Hwang's kitchen knife terror remark, the expression and attitude are appalling."
Earlier, at a rally in Gunsan, Jeonbuk, the previous day, Lee Jae-myung said, "People from Gwangju, listen carefully. You saw them shoot and kill with a large knife and M16 rifles back in the day. You saw heads cracked by sticks hitting the back of the head. Be careful. Just kidding."
In response, co-chair Lee Nak-yeon said, "In Gwangju in May, there are many households holding memorial rites on the same day," adding, "This is why, regardless of context or situation, when mentioning Gwangju in May, one must maintain mourning and humility and be extremely cautious."
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