▲[NEWSIS]Rep. Kim Sung-hwan of the Democratic Party of Korea
On July 5th, Kim Sung-hwan, a member of the opposition Democratic Party of Korea, posted a comparison of past and present photos of Lee Jin-sook, former president of Daejeon MBC, who was nominated as chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, on Facebook. He captioned the photos, “I thought she was a different person.” The post was later deleted.
Rep. Kim Sung-hwan posted two photos of Lee Jin-sook, writing, “Photos of Lee Jin-sook, candidate for Korea Communications Commission chairman, past and present. I thought she was a different person.” The post compared Lee Jin-sook’s appearance during a briefing held at the Presidential Office in Yongsan on July 4th, where she spoke regarding her feelings on being nominated as candidate for Korea Communications Commission chairman, with a photo of her from 2019 when she was working as a member of the Liberty Korea Party.
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Korean Politician Sparks Outrage with Facebook Post About Nominee’s Appearance
▲[NEWSIS]Rep. Kim Sung-hwan of the Democratic Party of Korea
Controversy Erupts Over Online Comments on Nominee’s Appearance
A recent Facebook post by South Korean politician Kim Sung-hwan, a member of the opposition Democratic Party of Korea, has sparked widespread criticism and debate. The post, which has since been deleted, compared past and present photos of Lee Jin-sook, a nominee for chairman of the Korea Communications Commission (KCC). Kim’s comment, “I thought she was a different person,” ignited a storm of controversy, drawing accusations of inappropriate and disrespectful behavior towards a public figure.
In his post, Kim juxtaposed two images of Lee Jin-sook: one from 2019, when she served as a member of the Liberty Korea Party, and another taken during a recent briefing at the Presidential Office in Yongsan. The post drew sharp criticism from various corners of the political spectrum, with many labeling it as inappropriate and a blatant attempt to undermine Lee’s qualifications by focusing on her physical appearance.
Political Landscape Heats Up Amidst Nominee’s Controversial Past
The controversy surrounding Lee Jin-sook’s nomination has further intensified the already heated political landscape in South Korea. Lee, a former president of Daejeon MBC, has faced heavy scrutiny due to her past association with former MBC president Kim Jae-cheol, who is accused of attempting to influence the media during the Lee Myung-bak administration. The Democratic Party has been particularly vocal in its opposition to Lee’s nomination, demanding her impeachment and highlighting her alleged role in suppressing freedom of speech and promoting conspiracy theories.
Party leaders have even accused President Yoon Seok-yeol of being “crazy” for appointing someone with such a controversial past to a critical position like the KCC chair. The KCC, responsible for overseeing broadcasting and telecommunications, plays a crucial role in shaping the media landscape and ensuring freedom of expression in South Korea.
Social Media’s Role in Amplifying Controversies
This incident once once more underscores the significant role social media platforms play in amplifying political controversies. While social media can be a powerful tool for disseminating information and fostering public discourse, it can also be easily manipulated for personal attacks and the dissemination of misinformation. Kim Sung-hwan’s Facebook post serves as a stark reminder of the potential pitfalls of using social media for political gain, highlighting the need for responsible and ethical communication in the digital age.
As the controversy surrounding Lee Jin-sook’s nomination unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will shape the broader political landscape in South Korea. The incident has raised important questions regarding the role of social media in political discourse, the importance of ethical communication, and the need for accountability for public figures who engage in inappropriate behavior online.
Reporter Joo Hee-young
Chosun Ilbo/Chosun Ilbo Japanese Edition
(c) Chosunonline.com
