Lee Jaemyung on Yoo Simin's Remarks: "Inappropriate... Since He Apologized, the Public Will Forgive"

"Perhaps Yoo Simin's Remarks Were Made Because Seol Nanyeong Herself Belittled Women and the Labor Movement"

Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, commented on May 31 regarding the controversy over remarks made by author Yoo Simin about Seol Nanyeong, the spouse of Kim Moonsu, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, saying, "It appears that the expression was inappropriate."

Lee made this statement when asked by reporters after a campaign event in Cheongju about his opinion on Yoo Simin's remarks.

On May 28, Yoo Simin said about Seol Nanyeong during a YouTube broadcast, "The position of being the spouse of a major party's presidential candidate is not a position that Seol Nanyeong could ever reach in her life. In other words, 'she is out of her mind.' That is what I meant."

After his remarks sparked controversy over their appropriateness, Yoo Simin explained, "It was my fault that the expression was harsh," but added, "I did not intend to demean women or workers."

Referring to this, Lee Jaemyung said, "Since he has apologized, I believe the people of our country may forgive him."

Yonhap News

However, he added, "I also thought that perhaps Yoo Simin made those comments because Seol Nanyeong herself made remarks that demeaned women and the labor movement, such as saying, 'Ugly women join labor unions.'"

On April 30, Seol Nanyeong visited the Pohangbuk Party Members' Council and said, "Do I look like someone who would join a labor union? Generally, people think labor unions are radical, tough, and unattractive... but I am the opposite."

When asked, "What do you think about the appeal from former President Yoon Sukyeol being released at a rally led by Pastor Jeon Gwanghoon?" Lee Jaemyung stated, "It clearly shows that the candidate supported and endorsed by far-right figures is Kim Moonsu."

He continued, "Kim Moonsu still has not answered the question of whether he will sever ties with far-right Jeon Gwanghoon or insurrectionist Yoon Sukyeol. I hope the people see through the essence of Kim Moonsu, who is merely an avatar of Yoon Sukyeol and Jeon Gwanghoon. The election of Kim Moonsu would mean the return of kingmaker Yoon Sukyeol and asphalt pastor Jeon Gwanghoon."

Regarding the relationship between the party and the government after a potential presidential victory, Lee Jaemyung said, "It is premature to discuss matters that will arise after winning the election," but added, "In the last general election, the people gave the opposition party an overwhelming majority to keep the Yoon Sukyeol administration in check. Nevertheless, the Yoon Sukyeol administration, without reflection, instigated a preposterous insurrection."