"Confucian Scholars Do Not Choose the Nation's Leader"
Some Confucian scholars in the Andong area of Gyeongbuk recently issued a rebuttal statement in response to a declaration of support for Lee Jae Myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, made by certain local Confucian figures.
Some Confucian scholars in the Andong area of Gyeongbuk recently issued a rebuttal statement regarding the 'support declaration for Lee Jae Myung' made by some Confucian scholars. Yonhap News
In a statement released on the afternoon of the 22nd at the main auditorium of the Confucian Scholars' Hall, they asserted, "The Confucian scholars' organization, which is formed on a national level, does not select the leader of this country based on regional ties, whether it be Andong or any other area."
They went on to emphasize, "Andong is a region where the Confucian virtues of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trust, as taught by Confucius and Mencius, are still alive. It is a place that honors and cherishes the noble patriotic spirit of countless independence activists, such as Lee Sangryong, Kim Dongsam, Kim Daerak, Lee Wonrok, and Lee Mando."
Furthermore, they stated, "We make it clear that the recent declaration of support for candidate Lee Jae Myung by 'Andong Confucian scholars' is an intolerable act that has damaged the honor of all Confucian scholars," and added, "We declare that such incidents must never happen again."
Meanwhile, on the 9th, about 50 people, including Cho Byungki, the president of the Hoengseong Cho Clan Association, declared their support for Lee Jae Myung at Imcheonggak in Andong. They stated, "The reason we support candidate Lee Jae Myung is because he is from Andong," and added, "We are convinced that he is the right person to fulfill the historical mission of uniting the people and leading the country into the future."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
