Pocheon City Denies Dismissal Rumors About Lim Young-woong
"No Discussion or Review Conducted"
"Not a Politician, So Why Raise Voice?" Remarks
Trot singer Lim Young-woong became a topic of discussion after his statement, "I'm not a politician, so why should I speak out?" surfaced, sparking rumors about his dismissal as an ambassador for Pocheon City. However, it has been confirmed that these rumors are not true.
According to a report by Sports Chosun on the 9th, the Pocheon City Hall stated, "There has been no discussion or consideration regarding the dismissal of Mr. Lim Young-woong as an ambassador," adding, "Since the authenticity of the controversy has not yet been confirmed, there is a possibility of review after verification." Earlier that day, a media outlet reported that a petition requesting his dismissal as an ambassador had been submitted and that Pocheon City Hall was preparing to review it. Lim Young-woong was appointed as an ambassador for Pocheon City in July 2019 and has been active in this role since then.
Earlier, on the afternoon of the 7th, just before the vote on the impeachment motion against President Yoon, Lim Young-woong posted a message on his social media account celebrating his pet dog's birthday. In response, a netizen criticized him via direct message (DM), saying, "What are you doing in this situation?" When Lim Young-woong replied, "What?" the netizen said, "The whole nation is gathered over the impeachment motion against the president who declared martial law unconstitutionally. I don't expect you to speak out, but this is really insensitive. Aren't people in the age group who experienced the previous martial law your main audience?" Lim Young-woong responded, "Am I a politician? Why should I speak out?"
When their conversation was made public online, netizens engaged in heated debates. Some criticized, saying, "Was it necessary to post everyday photos when the nation is on edge?" "His response shows no consideration of his influence and is really disappointing," and "I used to think well of him, but now I'm disappointed." On the other hand, some defended him, saying, "Enjoying daily life is just one way to endure 'these times,'" "There is no reason to force him to speak out," and "It doesn't seem like Lim Young-woong did anything wrong."
The next day, food columnist Hwang Kyo-ik posted on his social media, "Saying that only politicians can make political statements can be perceived as an insult to citizens who come out to the square in the cold to express their opinions, as if saying, 'You are not a politician either.'" He added, "In a democratic republic, all citizens have the right to make political statements, but that does not mean everyone must do so. If expressing political opinions is burdensome, it is better to say nothing. Ordinary entertainers in Korea live this way, and I do not think this attitude is ethically wrong."
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