[Breaking News] Lee Jun-seok Apologizes for 'Hate Speech' Controversy

"I Knew There Could Be Citizens Who Would Feel Uncomfortable"

"I Don't Know How to Rephrase That Statement"

Lee Jun-seok, the presidential candidate of the Reform New Party, addressed the controversy over quoting explicit comments allegedly made by the son of Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, during a TV debate. On the 28th, he stated, "I knew there could be citizens who would feel uncomfortable, and I sincerely apologize for that."

After finishing a campaign event at Yeouido Park in Seoul, Lee Jun-seok responded to reporters' questions about the TV debate, saying, "Of course, I knew there could be citizens who would feel uncomfortable watching it, and I sincerely apologize for that. However, from my perspective, if those words are true, I believe it is an issue that requires thorough verification."

Lee Jun-seok said, "Many people have already checked on the internet what the original comments were. I honestly don't know how to rephrase those comments. If there are other suggestions on how to rephrase them, I will consider them, but I think there is no other way than to convey the comments as they are."

Lee Jun-seok added, "Every election, there has been extensive verification of candidates' families. Everyone remembers the Julie issue. In the case of Lee Jae-myung, there was considerable verification of his son in the last election. However, I believe there are parts that Lee Jae-myung did not properly explain at that time. Regarding the controversial comments, Lee Jae-myung was also aware and made statements. I do not agree with the perception that it was okay then but pointing it out now is problematic."

Lee Jun-seok stated, "In yesterday's debate, it was clear that candidates and their families' morality needed to be verified. Instead of specific examples, I asked what the positions of the Democratic Labor Party and the Democratic Party were on hypothetical situations, but both candidates were reluctant to answer." He continued, "Kwon Young-guk of the Democratic Labor Party claimed in the second debate that I was engaging in hate and division, but when I asked for examples, he could not provide any."

He further commented, "I think this is a pattern where the democratic progressive camp is preventing rational discourses from being brought to the discussion table in Korea. I will continue to fight against hypocritical behaviors."

Previously, during a live political TV debate, Lee Jun-seok directly mentioned controversial expressions allegedly posted by Lee Jae-myung's son on a bulletin board, asking Kwon Young-guk of the Democratic Labor Party, "Is this kind of statement considered misogynistic by the Democratic Labor Party's standards?" Kwon replied, "I will not answer that."

Lee Jun-seok also asked Lee Jae-myung, "Do you agree, Mr. Lee Jae-myung?" Lee Jae-myung responded, "I would appreciate it if you could ask questions with enough time." Lee Jun-seok pressed further, "Just let me know if you agree that such statements are problematic." Lee Jae-myung replied, "It would be better to keep time and rules."

The Democratic Party later criticized Lee Jun-seok's remarks as verbal violence. Cho Seung-rae, the chief spokesperson of the election committee, said, "It shocked the citizens who had been waiting for the presidential candidate TV debate with violent expressions that should never be uttered on broadcast," and demanded accountability for the "horrible verbal violence disguised as a debate." Kwon also stated, "Lee Jun-seok, who quoted misogynistic remarks without filtering on public TV debate with the intention of slandering the opposing candidate, is no different from making misogynistic remarks himself."

Hong Min-seong, Hankyung.com reporter mshong@hankyung.com