"The Country Ruined by the Young, Saved by the Elderly"…Controversy Over Remarks by Former Editorial Writer Kim Jin

Former JoongAng Ilbo editorial writer Kim Jin sparked controversy on the 2nd by stating, "The country ruined by the young is saved by the elderly."

On the same day, during MBC's broadcast of ‘100 Minutes Debate’ under the theme ‘Choice 2024, What Is Your Heart?’, Kim made this remark while discussing public sentiment ahead of the general election. He said, "The only way is to dramatically increase the voter turnout of those aged 60 and above by appealing that the elderly will save what the young have messed up." Kim also added, "‘The country ruined and disturbed by the young is saved by the elderly.’ Wasn't there a phrase like this written on the walls since ancient Greece?"

Kim Jin, former editorial writer of JoongAng Ilbo, is speaking on MBC's '100-Minute Debate' on the 2nd. / Photo captured from YouTube video

His remarks were a call for those aged 60 and above, where the People Power Party shows relative advantage in polls, to actively participate in voting, but they could be interpreted as statements that fuel generational conflict. Subsequently, criticism arose online, accusing the remarks of belittling the younger generation and inciting generational strife.

Kim, the former editorial writer, also stirred controversy by raising allegations related to the late former President Roh Moo-hyun. He stated, "The reason the president decided to jump was because he was shocked to learn that his family had illegally received 6.4 million dollars without his knowledge." In response, Yoo Si-min, former director of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation and a fellow debate panelist, interrupted saying, "Stop it," and warned, "If we get into disputes over factual matters, this debate will go off track," but Kim continued his remarks.

Kim ran as a candidate for the Liberty Korea Party in the 19th presidential election in 2017. He was later appointed as the party committee chairman for Gangnam-gap, Seoul, and ahead of the 21st National Assembly election in 2020, he registered as a preliminary candidate for Jung-gu and Seongdong-gu gap under the United Future Party.