Appointed for "the Meaning of Unity" Upon Conservative Recommendation... Past Actions Spark Late Controversy
Book Published in March Defended Martial Law... Additional Social Media Posts Denied "Forced Conscription"
Calls for Resignation Spread Within Both Ruling and Progressive Parties
Presidential Office: "Judge by the Present" → "Need to Assess if Unity Is Undermined"
A controversy has erupted as the past actions of Junwook Kang, Secretary for National Unity at the Presidential Office, who has previously defended the 12·3 Martial Law and expressed belief in the Colonial Modernization Theory, have come to light. As his appointment?made in the name of unity and recommended by conservative figures such as former Korea Economic Daily editor-in-chief Kyugyu Jae?faces criticism for being inappropriate, the Presidential Office is finding itself increasingly embarrassed.
The controversy began with the contents of Kang's book, "Democracy of Barbarism," published in March while he was a professor at Dongguk University. In this book, he defined former President Yoon Suk-yeol's declaration of martial law as an undemocratic form of resistance against what he described as the Democratic Party's tyrannical abuse of democracy. He further argued that it was a systematic action taken because he could no longer tolerate the abuses of the Democratic Party, which held the majority in the National Assembly.
After the contents of his book became the subject of controversy, Kang issued a statement of apology on July 20. He said, "I sincerely apologize to the people," and added, "I deeply regret that the content and expressions in my book have caused pain to citizens who suffered for months under martial law. I offer my heartfelt apology." He also stated, "Even now, I will do my utmost, based on thorough self-reflection, to fulfill the President's will to embrace and unite a nation divided by generation, class, and ideology."
However, the controversy did not subside. Additional reports revealed a post Kang had made on his social media in the past, stating, "I believe in the Colonial Modernization Theory and do not believe in the concept of (Japan's) forced conscription." In the same post, he reportedly wrote, "The same applies to comfort women, but it is difficult to believe that people were indiscriminately rounded up on the streets, considering the Japanese attitude was worthy of respect."
As more of Kang's past actions came to light, calls for his resignation began to emerge not only from the ruling party but also from progressive parties. On July 21, Lee Eonju, a senior member of the Democratic Party, appeared on MBC Radio's "Kim Jongbae's Focus" and said, "I think this is a very serious issue," adding, "Having a different perception of insurrection crosses the line." Democratic Party lawmaker Shin Jeonghun also wrote on Facebook, "Immediate dismissal is the only way to quell public anger."
There were also claims that the personnel vetting system is seriously malfunctioning and needs to be overhauled. Kwon Youngguk, leader of the Justice Party, issued a statement saying, "This is a sign that the personnel vetting system of the Lee Jaemyung administration is seriously broken somewhere," and added, "Along with dismissing Secretary Kang, it is necessary to completely overhaul the personnel recommendation procedures and vetting system." Chun Hoseon, former Senior Secretary for Public Relations at the Blue House and a member of the Social Democratic Party, also pointed out on Facebook, "At this point, it's not a mistake but a malfunction."
As the controversy persists, a sense of embarrassment is reportedly spreading within the Presidential Office. The tone of spokesperson Kang Yujeong's responses has subtly changed. At a briefing held at 1:40 p.m. on July 21, Kang stated, "I understand the appointment was made with the belief that it is more meaningful to consider how he currently views what he said in the past," dismissing the issue.
However, in a subsequent briefing after additional details from Kang's social media were revealed, she said, "It may be necessary to assess whether Kang's apology is sufficient to avoid undermining the President's intention for unity, which was reflected in his appointment." She further emphasized, "It is the role and duty of a public official to provide an explanation that many citizens can understand," giving the impression that the situation is being viewed with greater seriousness.
The Presidential Office has not yet made any direct comment regarding Kang's future in his position.
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