"Distorting History Too... Step Back a Bit," Jin Joong-kwon Criticizes Lee Jong-gul Claiming 'Kkabang Rights'

Former Dongyang University Professor Jin Joong-kwon Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Heo Midam] The verbal sparring between former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon and Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Jong-gul continues. When Lee said that Jin’s writing had the intention of dividing him and supporters of President Moon Jae-in, Jin responded by saying, "Are you even distorting history?"

On the 6th, Jin posted on his Facebook, "Since you are not part of the (pro-Moon) core group, don’t make things chaotic and step aside a bit," adding, "You are not in a position to do the things I am criticizing."

He continued, "There is no 'kkabang-kwon' (immunity from criticism) for you. You are trying to acquire it now," and criticized, "Now you are making excuses, but back then your stance was not 'strengthening competitiveness' but 'Moon Jae-in out.' Honestly, you shook Moon so badly that even I, a member of another party, cursed him. Do you think the pro-Moon people have forgotten that?"

Jin further said, "It was not my instigation that divided Moon and you, but your own actions. You clearly drew a line and tried to expel him, and I was the one who strongly told you not to do that," adding, "Now you are even distorting history."

He also demanded an apology from Lee, saying, "Formally apologize for needlessly insulting me. I will forgive you... but your insults were extremely vulgar."

Lee Jong-gul, Member of the Democratic Party of Korea [Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, on the 2nd, Lee posted on his Facebook criticizing Jin, saying, "'Lip-progressive' has turned into 'lip-conservative,'" and "Jin seems unaware of how far he has fallen."

He added, "I tried to ignore the noise Jin causes, but perhaps due to a temporary surge in attention, it is getting worse."

Jin responded to Lee’s attack by saying, "You used harsh words, but I will not respond. There is no need to stoop to that level. However, please remember that seven years ago, when Democratic Party lawmakers unjustly shook Moon, I was the one who did not hesitate to engage in fierce fights to protect him. I still remember the opportunistic behavior you showed back then."

In response, on the 5th, Lee explained again on his Facebook, "I opposed Moon Jae-in as party leader and the 'pro-Moon group.' I even refused party duties as floor leader, but I have apologized several times for my actions back then," adding, "There were many factors in the conflict. The biggest was the difference in political judgment and evaluation of Moon’s competitiveness as the 19th Democratic Party presidential candidate."

He continued, "Jin’s writing intends to divide me and supporters of President Moon," but said, "However, I have consistently received 'kkabang-kwon' for leading the filibuster that secured victory in the 20th general election and other efforts. I don’t think opposition to me is large enough for Jin’s instigation to work."

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