Kwak Sangun’s Outspoken Remarks on “YouTubers Lining Up Politicians”… “Receiving Much Support”

"Why Are Lawmakers Reacting to Criticism of YouTube Power?"
"It May Be Followed Like a Religious Faith"

Sangun Kwak (left), member of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Eojun Kim. Sangun Kwak Facebook YouTube Eojun Kim's News Factory

Assemblyman Kwak Sangun of the Democratic Party of Korea, who previously stated that some YouTubers, including Kim Eojun, are lining up political power, shared that many fellow lawmakers have sent him messages of support following his remarks. He also commented that lawmakers who criticize him either believe he is riding the wave of YouTube power in politics or treat it as a kind of religious faith.

On September 11, Assemblyman Kwak appeared on YTN Radio's "Kim Junwoo's News Jeomyeonseungbu" and said, "I received a flood of text messages last night as well, mostly about the special prosecutor issue, but when it came to messages related to YouTube power, most were actually supportive."

In response to Assemblywoman Choi Minhee of the Democratic Party of Korea, who questioned why he ignores and criticizes the collective intelligence of Kim Eojun's YouTube channel, Kwak stated, "I never mentioned any National Assembly members specifically. What I said was that YouTube as a medium has become a political power and is exercising political influence. I do not understand why lawmakers are reacting to this. Perhaps they think of themselves as part of the YouTube power, or they are leveraging YouTube to gain political status and authority. Otherwise, they may be following YouTube power as if it were a religious faith."

Assemblyman Kwak also questioned why so many lawmakers are reacting to his comment that 'YouTube power is wielding political power.' He said, "I really do not know why they are reacting so strongly. When I go to the National Assembly, there are many lawmakers who come up to me and say 'thank you.' There must be plenty of examples, and I am sure the public can think of some as well," he added.