"May Lack 'Ssagaji,' but Is Charming" Praised
Different Standards of Morality Between Past and Present
Reform New Party presidential pre-candidate Lee Jun-seok is taking photos with citizens at Beomeo Intersection, Suseong District, Daegu on the 9th. Photo by Yonhap News
Ham Ik-byeong, co-chairman of the Reform New Party's joint election committee, evaluated Representative Lee Jun-seok by saying, "From the perspective of the older generation, it is true that he seems to lack 'ssagaji' (potential or manners)." However, Ham clarified that 'ssagaji' does not carry a negative meaning and viewed it positively in terms of the need for change. Appointed as co-chairman of the Reform New Party's joint election committee and a dermatologist by profession, Ham stated in an interview with YTN Radio's 'Issue & People' on the 15th that he has known Lee for about ten years through broadcasting, saying, "He is a very charming guy, but I thought he lacked 'ssagaji.'"
Ham added, "(Lee) sometimes behaves in ways that cause misunderstandings," explaining, "For example, when I am late for a broadcast recording, we all stand up when an elder arrives, and if we haven't seen each other for a week, at least bring a cup of coffee, but (Lee) does none of that." When the host suggested, "Could it be because he has been influenced by American culture?" Ham responded, "It's not because of American culture; my children are the same. The generations are different," and continued, "If you judge by the moral standards of our time, you might say he lacks 'ssagaji,' but my children also weren't taught to stand up immediately when an elder enters."
Ham further shared, "Lee asked me, 'Do I really have to stand up and greet you, Director?' I advised him, 'I don't mind, but there are other elders of my generation who would appreciate that,' and he replied, 'Okay, I understand.' These days, he does it well," indicating that Lee has changed.
Ham Ik-byeong, Election Management Committee Chairman of the Reform New Party, is explaining the voting results that elected Representative Lee Jun-seok as the Reform New Party's presidential candidate for the early presidential election at the National Assembly Communication Office in Yeouido, Seoul on the 18th. Photo by Yonhap News
Ham also stated, "The term 'ssagaji' is often used negatively, but I see it positively in terms of change," adding, "If young people are overly polite to elders, there will be no change. The Joseon Dynasty also fell after not changing for a long time." He further argued, "For a living being not to change is a path to death," suggesting that the appearance of young people like Lee seeming to lack 'ssagaji' is a form of change.
When asked about Lee's strengths, Ham cited "good learning ability and the capacity to actively transform that knowledge, youthful innocence untainted by the world, and having neither debtors nor creditors." Finally, he appealed for support by saying, "Lee Jun-seok is 40 years old, and if he makes mistakes and steps down after five years, he will have to endure criticism for 40 years from age 45 to 85, so he has no choice but to do well."
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