As backlash grows over the term 'riot'... Lee Jun-seok proposes "public debate with Dongduk Women's University and Go Min-jeong"

"A Good Opportunity to Argue That It Is Not a 'Riot'"
"Resolving Issues in a Democratic Way"
"I Believe You Will Accept"

Lee Jun-seok, a member of the Reform New Party, referred to the protest against the transition to coeducation at Dongduk Women's University as a "riot," drawing criticism from Go Min-jung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea. After a group composed of current Dongduk Women's University students continued their criticism, Lee proposed "a public debate" with them.

On the 7th, Lee posted on his social media, "A group called the 'Dongduk Women's University Student Union' issued a statement criticizing me," and added, "Regardless of the group's legitimacy and representation, I will propose a debate to a broadcasting station to correct Lee Jun-seok's 'distortion' and 'shameless acts' and to convey your group's position."

Lee Jun-seok, Representative of the Reform New Party. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group

He said, "I will leave the format of the debate entirely up to your group," adding, "Whether it is a one-on-one debate or with like-minded individuals, it does not matter. You may also appear together with Representative Go Min-jung." He continued, "This is a great opportunity to confidently present to the public the argument that 'the Dongduk Women's University incident is not a riot,'" and emphasized, "Isn't this format much better than the press conference proposed by the Democratic Party? I believe you will accept the public debate."

Lee explained, "The reason I always propose debates whenever I face those who rely on violence and force is that it should be the way a democratic society resolves issues," and added, "Whether it is those who forcibly stopped the subway by holding hostage the tears of commuting workers to achieve their goals, or those who poured into the streets caught up in election fraud conspiracy theories, I have always suggested solving problems through debate."

He also stated, "I have repeatedly expressed that if it is proven that my thoughts are wrong, I will accept the results and become an active supporter," and mentioned, "The reason why those who consider themselves minorities show extreme behavior is probably because they feel unfairness in having no place to express their opinions." He added, "There should be no reason to refuse when I offer a space viewed by millions to resolve that unfairness and provide an opportunity to persuade more citizens," and concluded, "Let us confidently share our opinions in a public forum. I await your response."

Earlier, on the 4th, Lee posted on social media, "For the Democratic Party, the Western District Court riot is bad violence, but the Dongduk Women's University riot is the good violence of poor students," and argued, "The essence of the Dongduk Women's University incident is not a lack of communication but barbaric violence expressing their opinions with anti-intellectual and anti-civilized acts before even attempting communication."

Ko Min-jung, Member of the Democratic Party of Korea. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

The next day, Representative Go refuted Lee's remarks via social media, stating, "The purpose of the Western District Court riot was to overturn the judiciary's ruling on Yoon Seok-yeol's detention, whereas the purpose of the Dongduk Women's University students' protest was to convey opposition to the transition to coeducation to the school authorities." She added, "We are witnessing how much distortion and hatred expressed verbally are poisoning this society," and warned, "This is why the hatred and division virus he spreads is dangerous."

On the same day, the Dongduk Women's University Student Union also issued a statement criticizing Lee's remarks. They clarified, "The essence of the Dongduk Women's University protest stems from the university administration's attitude of not even attempting to reflect students' opinions," and stated, "It is clear that the distortion of the protest's essence is not the roundtable discussion but Lee's post." They expressed regret over Lee's attitude, saying, "As a public official, Lee fails to see the essence of the incident, and we strongly condemn his shameless acts of trying to label the current situation as violence and riot."