Statements Captured During Campaign Vehicle Movement Near Pyeongsan Village
"Only Criticism of the Regime, No Other Intentions"
Yoon Young-seok, the People Power Party candidate for Yangsan Gap, expressed regret on the 8th over the controversy sparked by his offensive remarks toward former President Moon Jae-in, stating, "Former President Moon Jae-in is by no means a sanctuary." The controversy surrounding Yoon's remarks came to light that morning when Kang Min-seok, a spokesperson for the Democratic Party, referenced a YouTube video capturing the incident. Kang criticized Yoon for saying "We must kill Moon Jae-in" while moving in a campaign vehicle near Pyeongsan Village between 1:00 and 1:30 p.m. on the 7th.
Yoon Young-seok, the People Power Party candidate for Yangsan Gap, expressed regret on the 8th over the controversy sparked by his offensive remarks toward former President Moon Jae-in, stating, "Former President Moon Jae-in is by no means a sanctuary." Photo by Yonhap News
Spokesperson Kang stated, "Words that are too shameful to even mention or transcribe came from People Power Party candidate Yoon Young-seok," and called it "not just offensive language but violence." He added, "Have you already forgotten the political terror incident against our party leader Lee Jae-myung?" and urged, "Yoon must immediately apologize to the public and former President Moon Jae-in for his remarks and resign from his candidacy for the National Assembly."
As criticism mounted mainly from opposition parties, Yoon Young-seok posted on his SNS that afternoon, "The remarks were never intended to be heard directly by former President Moon Jae-in," and explained, "They occurred while the campaign microphone was off and I was quickly moving in the campaign vehicle." He further emphasized, "Due to the reckless governance of the former Moon administration, the people are truly suffering. Former President Moon Jae-in is by no means a sanctuary," adding, "Tens of billions of won in national budget are spent annually on dozens of bodyguards, security personnel, and maintenance of his residence. Yet, former President Moon leisurely campaigns for Democratic Party candidates." However, Yoon apologized to the citizens of Yangsan for his remarks and expressed regret toward former President Moon.
In conclusion, he said, "I hope the remarks I made in Pyeongsan Village are heard as the voice of the people. There was no intention to threaten or harm former President Moon," and apologized, "Regardless of the reason, I am sorry for causing concern to the citizens of Yangsan. I also express regret that such an incident occurred unintentionally toward former President Moon."
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