'Pro-Moon' Comedian Seo Seung-man Targets Cho Kuk: "Oh dear, I'm disappointed"

Criticism of 'Ipteulmak', 'Daetteulmak', and 'Uigyeontteulmak'

Comedian Seo Seung-man, who declared himself a 'pro-Lee Jae-myung' supporter backing Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, left a critical post targeting Cho Guk, leader of the Cho Guk Innovation Party. It seems the subtle atmosphere formed between the Democratic Party and the Cho Guk Innovation Party ahead of the opening of the 22nd National Assembly has spread even to their supporters.

Comedian Seo Seung-man [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 24th, Seo posted on Facebook, "I wrote a few posts that you might dislike out of concern, and you unfriended me on Facebook? Oh dear. I feel hurt." Although he did not specify to whom the message was addressed, comments included captured photos of Cho and continuous criticism of him.

One comment expressed agreement, saying, "Many other Facebook friends have experienced the same." Another harshly criticized, "If that person doesn't want to hear unpleasant words at all, I don't understand why he is in politics. He bows deeply to powerful investigative agencies and the media but makes no exceptions for citizens. 'Silencing speech,' 'blocking comments,' 'blocking opinions'?politicians like this are not only in the opposing camp."

Another comment expressed concern, saying, "He seems too obsessed with SNS. I was disappointed to see him posting trivial personal matters like 'where he went and what he ate.' As a leader, he should use it only occasionally to convey messages about the direction of national affairs or major incidents in politics, economy, diplomacy, and defense at the time... Talking too much leads to mistakes."

Cho's frequently changing SNS profile pictures were also criticized. "Are you going to indulge in narcissism? A desire that never gets satisfied no matter how much you fill it."

Seo ran as number 24 on the proportional representation list of the Democratic Party's satellite party, the Democratic United Party, in the April 10 general election but did not win a seat.

The Cho Guk Innovation Party, led by Cho Guk, secured 12 lawmakers in this general election. Since then, the Democratic Party and the Cho Guk Innovation Party have appeared to be checking each other ahead of the opening of the 22nd National Assembly. Earlier, on the 22nd, Cho publicly proposed a joint opposition meeting to Lee during a visit to Jeonju. He requested, "Please create and lead a joint opposition meeting before meeting President Yoon," adding, "If Lee meets President Yoon as the representative of the opposition, he will represent not just the Democratic Party's 175 seats but the opposition's total 192 seats." However, Park Sung-jun, chief spokesperson for the Democratic Party, drew a line that day, saying, "This round of ruling-opposition summit talks is a meeting between President Yoon and the Democratic Party." This was interpreted as a rejection of the Cho Guk Innovation Party's request.