Jeong Cheongrae: "Never Threw Grenades at U.S. Ambassador's Residence... Kim Moonsu Must Apologize or Face Legal Action"

Rebuttal of Remarks on Ambassador's Residence Occupation Incident
Strong Denial: "No Grenades or Arson Involved"
"President Lee Should Embrace Both Sides; As for Me, I Will Fight the Necessary Battles?Together, Yet Separately"

On August 25, Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, demanded a correction and an apology from Kim Moonsu, a candidate for the leadership of the People Power Party, regarding Kim's comments about Jeong's past actions.

On this day, Jeong posted on social media, "Candidate Kim said, 'Jeong Cheongrae... is a very vicious person who throws grenades, smashes front doors with steel pipes, and sets fire to the ambassador's residence.' However, I have never thrown a grenade, smashed front doors, or set anything on fire," adding, "If he does not issue a correction and an apology, I will take legal action."

Previously, candidate Kim referred to Jeong as an 'ultra-left terrorist' and mentioned the occupation of the U.S. ambassador's residence in Korea. In fact, Jeong led the occupation of the U.S. ambassador's residence in 1989 as a member of the National Council of Student Representatives (Jeondaehyeop), for which he was sentenced to two years in prison and incarcerated on charges of violating the National Security Act.

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the members' meeting held at the National Assembly on the 21st. 2025.8.21 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

In a separate social media post, Jeong also expressed his willingness to take on the tough tasks of confronting the opposition. President Lee Jaemyung, who is currently visiting the United States, previously stated on a private flight from Tokyo, Japan to Washington, D.C., "If the leader of the opposition party is elected through legal procedures, of course we should engage in dialogue," and, "The president does not represent a specific party, but the entire people." In relation to this, there was speculation that there may be a difference in stance between President Lee and Jeong, who is in conflict with the opposition, as Lee remarked, "A handshake is made with a person."

In response, Jeong said, "The president's remarks are natural and correct," and added, "As the president of the Republic of Korea, he should embrace both the ruling and opposition parties. As the leader of the ruling party, I am the one who takes on the tough and confrontational work. Together, yet separately..."