Lee Jae-myung Targets Lee Jun-seok: "Unspeakable Language of Hatred"

Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, directly criticized Lee Jun-seok, the presidential candidate of the Reform Party, during a TV debate for quoting comments allegedly made by his son online in the past, calling him a "politician who kills with politics."

On the 28th, candidate Lee Jae-myung stated on his Facebook, "Korean politics is failing to keep up with the dignity and expectations of the people. The presidential election, which should convey the vision, policies, and hope for Korea, is filled with slander, insults, and unspeakable language of hatred," adding, "As a politician and a presidential candidate who has stepped forward to take responsibility for the lives of the people, I cannot help but feel ashamed of this situation."

Candidate Lee Jae-myung said, "The divisive politics driven by harsh language must stop now. Endless division and conflict, where we confront each other, is outdated politics. There is no future in this. It must end now," and added, "We can no longer let our society fall into the swamp of division and hatred. We must be reborn as politics that saves everyone for the sake of the people's lives. Politics is about embracing the people as one and planting hope with warm hands."

Previously, candidate Lee Jun-seok, during a live broadcast political TV debate the day before, asked Kwon Young-guk, the Democratic Labor Party candidate, "Candidate Lee Jae-myung apologized for having a peculiar conversation within his family. Is this kind of remark considered misogynistic by Democratic Labor Party standards?" directly mentioning the controversial hateful expressions allegedly posted by Lee Jae-myung's son on a bulletin board in the past. Following this, there was strong criticism from the Democratic Party and others, calling Lee Jun-seok's remarks "verbal violence."

As the controversy intensified, candidate Lee Jun-seok met with reporters that day and said, "Of course, I knew there could be citizens who felt uncomfortable watching that, and I offer my sincere apologies for that." However, candidate Lee Jun-seok added, "But from my standpoint, if that behavior is true, I believe it is a matter that requires sufficient verification," and said, "I will consider how to moderate that statement if there are other suggestions, but I think there is no other way than to convey the statement as it is."

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

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