[Exclusive] Choi Gyojin Faces Vulgar Language Controversy... "Goodbye, ByeongXX" at Park Geunhye Resignation Rally

In December 2016, photo with "Park Geunhye Out" placard posted
"Goodbye, ByeongXX"... Seen as derogatory toward disabled and women
Personnel hearing team: "Will clarify at confirmation hearing"

While Choi Gyojin, the nominee for Minister of Education, is already facing criticism for his past actions and remarks, which have been seen as politically biased, comments he made during the impeachment process of former President Park Geunhye have now come under scrutiny. At a rally demanding the resignation of former President Park, Choi referred to the year "2016" using a derogatory term that resembles a slur directed at Park, raising controversy over whether such language was appropriate for someone aspiring to lead the Ministry of Education.

Yonhap News

According to a summary by Assemblywoman Kim Minjeon's office and Asia Economy on August 20, Choi, who was then the Superintendent of Education in Sejong City, posted on his social networking service (SNS) on December 31, 2016, "I met my daughter and son-in-law, and we took a spot on the steps of the Sejong Culture and Arts Center," adding, "Goodbye, ByeongXX." Below the post, he uploaded a photo of himself holding a placard with slogans such as "Arrest Park Geunhye" and "Immediate resignation and arrest of Park Geunhye!"

At the time, the 10th candlelight vigil demanding the immediate resignation of former President Park was being held at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, coinciding with the New Year’s Eve of 2017, with an estimated one million people in attendance according to organizers.

The year 2016 was the "Year of the Red Monkey," a combination of "Byeong" (representing fire in the sexagenary cycle) and "Shin" (symbolizing the monkey). The term "Byeongsinnyeon" refers to this particular year. Choi appears to have used the phrase "Goodbye, ByeongXX" as a way of bidding farewell to the old year in the context of the year-end and New Year transition.

However, posting such a phrase in a space shared with acquaintances during a rally calling for President Park’s resignation has led to interpretations that the term, which is both a slang insult against people with disabilities and women and a homonym with the sexagenary cycle, was used to disparage a specific individual. On January 27, 2017, at the start of the new year, Choi posted "Goodbye, ByeongXX, Hello, Jeongyunyeon." In response, his acquaintances left comments that also contained misogynistic language.

In addition, on October 26, 2019, Choi referred to the anniversary of former President Park Chunghee’s death as "Tangtangjeol" on his SNS, and on August 10, 2021, he described the prosecution’s investigation into former Justice Minister Cho Kuk, who was indicted for his child’s college admissions scandal, as a "prosecutor’s sword dance." These actions have led to criticism that Choi has exhibited excessive political bias. The phrase "Goodbye, ByeongXX" used by Choi has been criticized as not only a political statement but also as invoking a vulgar slur, making it inappropriate for a candidate for the top educator position.

A member of the Ministry of Education’s personnel hearing preparation team stated, "Choi has posted on SNS with the intention of reporting every activity to voters as an elected superintendent," adding, "In that process, Choi himself believes that some of his expressions were excessive." The official continued, "He will apologize where necessary and will fully explain the circumstances under which he made those remarks during the confirmation hearing."