"Busan Citizens Don't Need 250,000 Won"... Park Suyoung's Remark Sparks Uproar Among Busan Residents

Democratic Party: "On What Grounds Are You Depriving Busan Citizens of Their Rights?"
Park Suyoung Posts 'Venezuela' Video Amid Growing Criticism

Park Suyoung, a member of the People Power Party representing Nam-gu in Busan, is facing strong criticism from Busan citizens after posting on his social networking service (SNS) that "our Busan citizens do not need 250,000 won" while criticizing the Lee Jaemyung administration's policy to distribute livelihood recovery consumption coupons. On July 4, Park posted on his Facebook account under the title "The Effects of Public Institution Relocation," arguing, "Instead of the 250,000 won congratulatory payment, please send the Korea Development Bank to Nam-gu as soon as possible." This post was a criticism of the supplementary budget bill worth 31.8 trillion won, which passed the National Assembly that day and provides every citizen with a minimum of 150,000 won in livelihood recovery consumption coupons.

Suyoung Park, member of the People Power Party. Suyoung Park Facebook

Park referred to the Lee Jaemyung administration's plan to relocate the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan, stating, "While I appreciate the relocation of the Ministry, it would be better if public institutions like the Korea Development Bank came instead." Addressing local talent recruitment, he said, "Since the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has already been decided, please send it to Nam-gu by the end of the year, and instead of the 250,000 won congratulatory payment, also send the Korea Development Bank to Nam-gu as soon as possible." He urged, "Our Busan citizens do not need 250,000 won; instead, give us the Korea Development Bank."

In response, Kim Jiho, spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea, wrote on his SNS on July 5, "Who exactly are you representing as a member of the National Assembly? Are you saying that Busan citizens are not even qualified to receive 250,000 won?" He continued, "Internet communities are boiling with anger right now. The reason for these blunt reactions is clear," adding, "Politics that ignore the suffering of citizens can no longer be tolerated." Furthermore, he said, "Your remarks do not represent the citizens; rather, they insult them," and added, "Busan citizens will remember this. They will remember the politicians who ignored their lives and who stood by their side."

Not only the Democratic Party, but also many netizens left protest comments on Representative Park's SNS. They wrote, "Don't say 'our Busan,'" "You should not speak as if your personal opinion represents all Busan citizens," and "Only those who do not want to receive it, including yourself, should say it's unnecessary." There were also criticisms directed at the People Power Party. One netizen commented, "Our Busan citizens do not need the People Power Party." Another pointed out, "The relocation of the Korea Development Bank to Busan was a campaign promise of the Yoon Sukyeol administration, but you never said anything when it wasn't moved for three years. It's ridiculous."

In response to the Democratic Party's criticism, Park posted again on SNS on July 6 under the title "Recent Venezuela," once again criticizing the government’s policy. The example of Venezuela has often been cited by the People Power Party to disparage the Lee Jaemyung administration's livelihood support payment policy. The party has argued that once-prosperous countries like Venezuela and Argentina collapsed because of cash handout populism. Park wrote, "Many people are concerned about our country heading down the path of Venezuela," and suggested watching two videos, explaining, "There is bleak news that the once-proud beauty academy in Venezuela has closed, and its former students are suffering hardships, including selling their bodies in neighboring countries. On the streets of Caracas, the capital, it is common to see young people rummaging through trash cans for food."