People Power Party Files Counter-Complaint Against Lee Jaemyung Over "Coffee Cost" Remarks
The People Power Party announced on the 19th that it would file a criminal complaint against Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, for defamation of cafe owners and other related charges over his remarks about the "coffee cost being 120 won."
Choi Kisik and Joo Jinwoo, co-heads of the People Power Party's Negative Response Team, are scheduled to submit the complaint against Lee later this afternoon together with coffee shop owners. They stated their intention to file criminal charges for false accusation, violation of the Public Official Election Act due to spreading false information, and defamation of cafe owners.
On May 16, during a campaign rally in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province, Lee stated, "A cup of coffee can be sold for 8,000 to 10,000 won, but from what I found out, the cost is only 120 won."
In response, the co-heads of the Negative Response Team pointed out that Lee unfairly highlighted the fact that the cost is significantly lower than the selling price, giving the impression that self-employed coffee sellers are making exorbitant profits.
They particularly argued that by mentioning only the cost of ingredients and excluding all other operational expenses such as rent, electricity, and labor costs, Lee damaged the overall social reputation and defamed the group of self-employed cafe operators.
The co-heads of the Negative Response Team further added, "After facing strong criticism from self-employed people over his reckless remarks, Lee denied the intent of his comments and attempted to cover up the controversy by filing a complaint against Emergency Response Committee Chairman Kim Yongtae."
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