"Let's Debate Munppa" Jin Joong-kwon Criticizes 'Pro-Moon Faction' Repeatedly... Could It Become a Variable Ahead of the General Election?

Jin Joong-kwon Makes Strong Remarks Over Jo Guk Allegations for Consecutive Days
Some Positive Reactions Amid Harsh Criticism from Moon Jae-in Supporters

Former Dongyang University Professor Jin Joong-kwon. Photo by JTBC New Year Special Debate

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "At this point, isn't he the new hope of progressives?" "Leaving aside progressive or conservative, this is the most objective."

Jin Joong-kwon (57), former professor at Dongyang University, has been raising his level of criticism day by day regarding the suspicions surrounding Cho Kuk (54), former Minister of Justice, and the forgery allegations of the certificate of award against his wife, Professor Jung Kyung-shim of Dongyang University.

He has also proposed a "public debate" against the so-called 'Pro-Moon (친문)' faction, supporters of Moon Jae-in, actively launching attacks. In particular, he openly criticized Rho Moo-hyun Foundation Chairman Yoo Si-min with harsh metaphors such as "delusion," "incitement," and "fantasy."

The problem is that Jin's remarks have been pouring out continuously ahead of the general election. When Cho Kuk was nominated as Minister of Justice, protests were held daily on university campuses over suspicions of his daughter, Cho Mo (28), regarding fraudulent university admission.

Youths held rallies day after day, saying fairness in Korean society has collapsed, and especially, anger expanded toward pro-government and progressive figures who made statements defending Cho Kuk. This is why Jin's remarks and their impact cannot be overlooked.

On the afternoon of August 23 last year, students urged the resignation of Cho Kuk, the Minister of Justice nominee, at the "Stop Professor Cho Kuk! Seoul National University Candlelight Rally" held at Seoul National University in Gwanak-gu, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

In fact, the 20s and 30s generations voiced criticism against the 40s and 50s generations who defended Cho Kuk.

In particular, the youth's anger was also directed at the so-called '86 generation' who defended Cho Kuk. The 'Pro-government 386 figures' repeatedly argued that "Cho Kuk is the right candidate for Minister of Justice," which sparked conflicts with the youth.

The '86 generation' mainly refers to those who experienced democratization movements through student activism in the 1980s. Over time, it has also been referred to as the 486 or 586 generation.

The Seoul National University Student Council issued a statement on August 26 last year, saying, "We strongly urge the resignation of candidate Cho Kuk for Minister of Justice for a country where principles and common sense are upheld and a society where justice lives."

Then, on October 3 last year, around 6 p.m., about 5,000 university students nationwide (estimated by organizers) gathered at Marronnier Park in Daehangno, Dongsung-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, demanding Cho Kuk's resignation as Minister of Justice.

The 'National University Student Union Candlelight Rally Executive Committee,' composed of students from 60 universities nationwide, gathered in Daehangno for their first joint rally and criticized Cho Kuk.

They raised voices about social fairness and injustice, saying things like "You shouted equality and fairness, but where is outcome justice?" and "Where is social justice?" The musical Les Mis?rables' theme song "Do You Hear the People Sing?" played during the rally.

One student said, "There is clearly a problem, but I don't understand why they try to hide it," adding, "I hope it won't be interpreted politically."

Former Dongyang University Professor Jin Joong-kwon (left) and Yoo Si-min, Chairman of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation (right), engaged in a discussion on media reform and other topics during the 'JTBC New Year's Special Debate' on the 1st. Photo by JTBC

Meanwhile, some netizens have shown positive reactions to Jin's remarks.

One netizen commented on an article about Jin Joong-kwon, saying, "This Jin Joong-kwon guy is really decent. Regardless of conservative, progressive, left or right, he scolds those who can't distinguish right from wrong to wake up. I was shocked seeing 'I am Cho Kuk!' The regime is above good and evil... It's really unfortunate."

Another netizen said, "In fact, an awakened intellectual should be like that. They might be the absolute evil from the perspective of common-sense people who think they are the absolute good."

A man in his late 20s, A, who recently encountered Jin's remarks, said, "If you look only at the content, it is objectively true."

Another office worker in his late 30s, B, said, "Putting everything aside, I can't say this in front of Moon Jae-in supporters. They get angry first. Normal debate is impossible," emphasizing, "Because of this situation, the problem looks even bigger."

Experts analyzed the youth's anger at the time surrounding the suspicions against Cho Kuk as a protest against unfairness. Professor Kwak Geum-joo of Seoul National University's Department of Psychology emphasized, "It can be seen as an expression of dissatisfaction by young people who will live in Korean society in the future toward acts suspected of unfairness."

Meanwhile, Jin proposed a public debate to the 'Pro-Moon faction.' On the 2nd, he posted on his Facebook, "Let's have a public debate once at the end of January when I return from abroad," adding, "If any Moon supporters want to debate with me, please apply under this post and leave your contact information in a message."

He also criticized, "I am ready. If you don't have the courage, realize your patheticness and voluntarily shrink yourself."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.