Kim Jaeseop Says "Lee Junseok's Raised Finger Was Unfortunate... I Understand His Intention and Motivation"

"Lee Junseok's Apology Is Very Unusual"
People Power Party Also Criticizes the Appointment of Yoon Sanghyun

Kim Jaeseop, a member of the People Power Party, criticized the controversy over misogynistic remarks made by Lee Junseok, the presidential candidate of the Reform New Party, saying that while he understood the intention, it went too far. Kim, who is considered relatively close to Lee among People Power Party members, said on SBS Radio's "Kim Taehyun's Political Show" on the 29th, "I understand Lee Junseok's intention and motivation to point out that progressive parties, which have often talked about women's issues and women's rights, remain silent on sex crimes and sexual issues."

Kim Jaeseop, a member of the People Power Party, criticized the misogynistic remarks controversy of Lee Junseok, the presidential candidate of the Reform New Party, saying that he understood the intention but that it went too far. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

However, Kim pointed out, "Even if it wasn't Lee Junseok's own choice of words, the fact that such expressions were used in the debate itself was shocking, and the language was so harsh that it was difficult to accept." He continued, "Lee Junseok's intention was like saying, 'Don't look at the finger, look at the moon,' but in pointing to the moon, instead of using his index finger, he raised his middle finger and told people to look at the moon. As a result, only Lee Junseok, who raised his middle finger, could see the moon," he criticized.

When the host asked, "What should Lee Junseok do to get out of this situation? Should he apologize and just move on, or should he respond by saying, 'Why do you keep looking at the finger and not the moon?'" Kim replied, "Lee Junseok uncharacteristically stepped back and apologized. In my memory, this is the first time I've seen Lee Junseok, who has been involved in many controversies and issues, take a step back like this." He added, "I think he himself realized that the expression was excessive," and advised Lee, "As someone who aspires to be a leader, there is no need to use such language and get dragged into the mud with Lee Jaemyung."

Regarding the potential unification between Lee and Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party candidate, Kim said, "I haven't heard any news about unification yet, but so far it seems unlikely. I often meet with Chun Haram, a Reform New Party lawmaker, and ask him about it, but he is unwavering. No matter how many meals you buy him, he draws a clear line, saying, 'There will be no unification.'"

Kim Jaeseop, a member of the People Power Party, is delivering a support speech at the concentrated campaign rally for Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party presidential candidate, held on the 26th at Banghak Intersection in Dobong-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

He also said, "As time goes by, and even after our candidate was decided, there has been no change in their position at all. I believe the minimum condition for unification with Lee was to accept several demands made by former leader Han Donghoon." Kim continued, "Since none of those conditions were met, it was naturally difficult for Lee to find justification for unification. From the beginning, I had hoped that the entire conservative camp would smoothly unite and fight as one, severing ties with former President Yoon Sukyeol, so that we could have a competitive election, but that did not happen," he expressed regret.

Meanwhile, Kim criticized the appointment of Yoon Sanghyun as co-chairman of the campaign committee, which faced strong opposition from pro-Lee factions, saying, "From what I heard, Kim Moonsoo personally asked Representative Yoon Sanghyun to step down. If they really intend to win, they shouldn't do this. I don't know why they are acting this way," calling the appointment inappropriate.