Yoo Sang-beom, the chief spokesperson for People’s Power, commented on the controversial remarks made by his party’s senior supreme council member Kim Jae-won. Kim had made regressive comments related to the 5/18 Democratization Movement and expressed support for “Pastor Kwang-Hoon Jeon’s right-wing faction, unification of the world”. When asked regarding Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon’s proposal for a review of the general election in April next year, Yoo expressed disapproval, stating that “a government speaker is needed”. During a radio interview, Yoo confirmed that Kim Jae-won is a close friend and political mentor, despite the controversial statements made by Kim. Yoo also expressed his dislike for the idea of Minister Han Dong-hoon entering politics, stating that a persuasive figure must lead government policies. Yoo is a member of the Special Committee on Judicial Reform but was unaware of who the chairman was.
Yoo Sang-beom, chief spokesman for People’s Power. joint coverage photo
People’s Power chief spokesman Yoo Sang-beom said of the same party’s senior supreme council member Kim Jae-won, who has recently caused controversy with regressive remarks related to the 5/18 Democratization Movement and remarks such as “Pastor Kwang-Hoon Jeon’s right-wing faction, unification of the world.” I don’t think it fell off,” he said. Regarding the ‘review of the general election’ in April next year by Justice Minister Han Dong-hoon, raised by some of the people’s strength, he expressed a negative position, saying, “A government speaker is needed.” Spokesman Yoo appeared on the radio on the 28th (MBC) and said, “(Supreme Commissioner Kim Jae-won) is a close friend and political senior.” did. Previously, on the 25th (local time), in a lecture hosted by a conservative organization in the United States, Supreme Commissioner Kim said, “Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon has unified the right-wing camp.” On December 12, he attended a service at Sarang Jeil Church, where Pastor Jeon belongs, and expressed his position that he “opposes the incorporation of the spirit of the May 18 Democratization Movement into the Constitution.” He continues to make far-right remarks in close contact with the ex-pastor with far-right tendencies. Regarding the rumors of Minister Han Dong-hoon entering politics, Spokesman Yoo said, “If I were the president, I would not have (Minister Han Dong-hoon) run for the general election.” He said, “There is a part that requires a kind of speaker to persuade and lead government policies to the people.” Spokesman Yoo is a member of the Special Committee on Judicial Reform (Special Private Committee), which was formed to discuss follow-up measures for so-called prosecution reform, such as the bill to separate prosecution investigation and prosecution, but also said that he did not know who the chairman was. He answered, “Well,” to the host’s question, “Is the chairperson of the special committee Jeong Seong-ho of the Democratic Party?” The moderator said, ‘Because I don’t even have a meeting. What if the committee member does not know the chairperson?’ Reporter Kim Kyung-wook dash@hani.co.kr
It is clear that remarks made by senior officials within a political party can have a huge impact on public perception. The recent statements made by People’s Power senior supreme council member Kim Jae-won have stirred up controversy and drawn criticism from within his own party. Chief spokesman Yoo Sang-beom has expressed his negative position on the matter and made it clear that he believes a more persuasive and influential figure is needed to lead government policies. As we await further developments, it will be interesting to see how this situation unfolds and whether the party can come to a consensus on its political stances.
