Jin Joong-kwon: "Won Hee-ryong is bad and inferior... Apologize for spreading false information"

Jin Joong-kwon "Nomination Discussion Not True... Fujida" Criticism
Won Hee-ryong "Will Separately Clarify Private Nomination Discussion"

Jin Joong-kwon, a special professor at Kwangwoon University, officially demanded an apology from Won Hee-ryong, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, on the 5th. This was because he believed that false information was being spread suggesting that candidate Han Dong-hoon discussed party nominations with him while serving as the emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party.

People Power Party leader candidate Won Hee-ryong is delivering a policy speech at the 'Change 5-Minute Vision Presentation' held at ASSA Art Hall in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 2nd. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

On the same day, Professor Jin stated on his Facebook, "Among the four candidates currently running, the only person who has exchanged opinions with me via text or phone calls regarding the election is Won Hee-ryong during the People Power Party's presidential primary," adding, "At his strong and persistent request, I flew to Jeju Island by plane to conduct an interview. I understand that the content was published as a book. And now, that same person..."

He continued, "I am very displeased and demand an apology," criticizing, "A gentleman should not show any sign of discomfort no matter how urgent the situation. It is disgusting and pathetic."

Earlier, candidate Won stated in a media interview that candidate Han ignored a text message on January 19, during his tenure as emergency committee chairman, expressing willingness to apologize for the controversy over Kim Geon-hee’s luxury handbag. Won called this "the act in question" and said, "Han said 'public issues cannot be discussed through private texts,' but he frequently discussed matters with Jin Joong-kwon and Kim Kyung-yul."

As the controversy escalated, candidate Won posted on his Facebook, "I cited Professor Jin’s own statement about discussing refugee recognition and non-consensual rape charges with candidate Han Dong-hoon," adding, "I hope there is no misunderstanding. I have requested corrections to the article." Won left the door open by saying, "There will be an opportunity to reveal those who privately discussed party nominations with candidate Han."