Reversal of Participation Decision Amid Backlash from Hardline Supporters
People Power Party Supporters Also Voice Discontent Over Kim Jaeseop's Involvement
Reform New Party States, "The Event Will Proceed as Planned"
Young politicians from both the ruling and opposition parties attempted to foster unity during the Chuseok holiday through a game of StarCraft, but the effort fell through when Mok Kyungjong, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, withdrew his participation. Mok reversed his decision due to pressure from hardline supporters. On October 2, Mok wrote on his social media, "I spent a sleepless night reading the many opinions you shared. I apologize for causing concern with the news of my participation in the StarCraft tournament," adding, "I want to set things right, even now. I will not participate in this event with Lee Junseok and Kim Jaeseop."
Mok Kyungjong, a member-elect of the Democratic Party of Korea, is giving an interview to Asia Economy at the National Assembly on the 28th. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
He continued, "As many of you have sternly pointed out, now is the time for all of us to unite and fight together," and added, "I deeply apologize to everyone who was disappointed by this incident. I humbly accept your criticism. Taking this as a lesson, I will communicate with greater humility and devote all my efforts to resolving the urgent issues before us."
Previously, Mok had announced plans to hold a "Star Politicians" StarCraft tournament at a PC cafe in Yeouido, Seoul, on October 5, together with Lee Junseok, leader of the Reform New Party, and Kim Jaeseop, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, to mark the Chuseok holiday. Lee, who organized the event, said, "We plan to develop this tournament into a regular event, turning it into a venue for political unity and public engagement," and added, "I hope to see politicians from both sides competing with smiles instead of confrontation, making this a new beginning for politics." However, strong backlash from hardline supporters quickly followed. On social media, Democratic Party supporters criticized Mok, saying, "How can you sit together with members of a party that incited rebellion?" and "Discipline Mok Kyungjong," among other harsh comments.
Criticism Over 'Star Politicians' Event Emerges Within Both Parties
Meanwhile, supporters of the People Power Party also strongly criticized Kim Jaeseop for deciding to participate in the event. Some supporters commented on social media, "Why is Kim Jaeseop joining such an event?" and "How can he afford to participate in a gaming event during the holidays when the country is in turmoil?" Kim Gyeri, an attorney who previously represented former President Yoon Suk-yeol, also criticized Kim, saying, "Given the current state of the country and the People Power Party, how can you participate in a game tournament with a smile?" and added, "You said you wouldn't protest outside, but are you going to wage war in StarCraft instead?" She went on to say, "After causing internal strife in the party, you can just wait a year until everyone forgets, get a nomination again, or move to the Reform New Party for a nomination," mocking his actions.
There was also criticism within both the Democratic Party and the People Power Party regarding the very idea of holding the event. Sohn Sujo, media spokesperson for the People Power Party, targeted Lee Junseok by posting an article titled "A Young Forty Party Leader Playing StarCraft During Chuseok While the Government Is Paralyzed," and criticized, "With issues like the abolition of the prosecution office, government paralysis, and the Kim Hyunji chief of staff controversy, what can politicians show by going to a gaming cafe when the country is in crisis?"
Jeon Yonggi, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party, commented, "This is just an attempt to look younger through gaming, a typical Young Forty approach," and added, "It's not necessarily about age, but he couldn't hide his own old-fashioned sensibilities." The term "Young Forty" is a recently popular expression used to mock people in their 40s who try to maintain the sensibilities of those in their 20s.
In response, Lee Junseok posted on social media, "Some Yeouido scavengers are reacting reflexively, but it's contradictory to say that people born in the 1980s are pretending to be young by playing StarCraft during the holidays," and added, "Since middle school, this is how we've spent our holidays. We're not like the older generation playing Go-Stop, so it's surprising how elderly the Yeouido political scene feels."
The Reform New Party, which is organizing the event, stated that since all the arrangements have been made, the event will proceed as planned. The plan to donate to local welfare facilities in the name of the winning team will also go ahead as scheduled. A party official commented, "We regret that the purpose of unity has been undermined by hardline supporters, especially since the event also aimed to support the underprivileged during the holidays," adding, "We will do our best to uphold the spirit of the holiday."
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