Democratic Party Strongly Condemns Lee Junseok's TV Debate Remarks: "Brazen Shamelessness Is Not Youth"

Democratic Party Criticizes Lee Junseok for Reading Sexually Suggestive Comments Aloud During Debate

The Democratic Party of Korea strongly condemned Lee Junseok, the presidential candidate of the Reform New Party, for his inflammatory remarks during the 21st presidential candidate TV debate held on the 27th.

Lee Junseok, the presidential candidate of the Reform New Party, is holding an emergency press conference in front of the National Assembly Communication Center on the 27th. 2025.5.27 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

On the 28th, Cho Seungrae, head of public relations for the Democratic Party's election committee, referred to Lee Junseok's remarks during the previous day's TV debate, stating, "It is unacceptable that he resorted to such vulgar verbal abuse, making statements that are difficult to even repeat here, during a live broadcast watched even by children." He added, "He shamelessly made a statement that day, but being brazen is not the same as being young," delivering a strong criticism.

Previously, on the same day, Lee Junseok read aloud sexually suggestive comments, allegedly posted online in the past by the son of candidate Lee Jaemyung, and asked both Lee Jaemyung and Kwon Youngguk, the Democratic Labor Party candidate, "Do you agree that these are problematic remarks?"

Amid the controversy, Lee Junseok explained on his Facebook page that day, "Even though I refined the original expressions as much as possible, considering that it was a public broadcast, both candidates either avoided evaluating the issue or withheld their answers." He added, "When faced with a distorted sexual consciousness that constitutes a sex crime, regardless of one's status or relationship, a leader must be able to make a resolute judgment with the spirit of 'sacrificing one's own for the greater good' so that the public can feel at ease."

Despite Lee Junseok's explanation, criticism over his inflammatory remarks appears unavoidable. Kwon Youngguk also told reporters after the TV debate that Lee Junseok's remarks were "highly malicious in intent," and added, "If he is willing to make such embarrassing comments in front of the public, I believe he should step down."

Lim Mi-ae, a Democratic Party lawmaker, also wrote on her Facebook page, "A night has passed, but the memory has become even clearer, and my feelings have shifted from discomfort to a sense of humiliation." She pointed out, "The young candidate has built a support base with his characteristic sarcasm, and now, perhaps finding it enjoyable, has turned the presidential election into a game filled with hatred and mockery." Lim added, "Lee Junseok is an unqualified, defective candidate," and demanded, "Step down immediately."