Videos of the Remarks Spread on Social Media, Sparking Controversy
Ulsan Democratic Party Branch Criticizes: "Ignited Hatred and Discrimination"
Ulsan Mayor Kim Du-gyeom sparked controversy after stating in a wildfire site briefing that "it is not simple to deploy female employees to rugged mountains."
On the 24th, during a press briefing at the large wildfire site in Onyang-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan City, Mayor Kim said, "There are limits to the public officials we can deploy when a wildfire occurs," adding, "Especially nowadays, there are many female employees, so it is not that simple to deploy them to 악산 (rugged mountains)."
He continued, "The military sent troops, and our young soldiers seem very suitable for extinguishing the remaining fires," adding, "We are grateful to the military units that responded to the mobilization."
This remark was made to elaborate on the difficulties at the site as the briefing concluded, but it acted as a 'trigger' touching on sensitive gender issues. Videos and related reports containing the statement quickly spread on social networking services (SNS). Various opinions on gender roles were posted in the comments on these posts.
In particular, the fact that Mayor Kim immediately followed his comment that "it is difficult to deploy women" with gratitude toward the military appeared to have stirred sensitive public opinion regarding men's military service obligations.
The Ulsan branch of the Democratic Party of Korea also issued a statement on the 26th, criticizing, "Mayor Kim's remarks ignited hatred and discrimination online."
On the other hand, some argue, "He was merely speaking frankly about the realities and difficulties; what's the problem?" Some agreed with Mayor Kim's remarks and responded, "If you think this is belittling women, then women should step forward immediately." Others cautioned against overinterpretation, saying, "He was not intending gender discrimination but was speaking about practical difficulties; why twist it into something strange?"
Regarding the controversy and criticism, an anonymous Ulsan city official said, "If you listen to the entire briefing, it is clear that there was no intention to discuss gender issues," adding, "It is unfortunate that remarks explaining difficulties known only at the site were distorted into a completely different context."
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