'Human Rights Sensitivity' Trampled in Regime Re-election

Yun Hojung, Democratic Party Secretary-General, Faces Backlash for Saying "Difficult to Ally with Parties on LGBTQ Issues"
Contradicts Progressive Party Ideals

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] On the 17th, Yoon Hojung, Secretary General of the Democratic Party of Korea, said, "It is difficult to form an alliance with parties that cause unnecessary controversies such as ideology or LGBTQ issues," leading to criticism that sensitivity to human rights has been overshadowed by the pursuit of regime continuation. Since the Democratic Party had promoted the purpose of electoral law reform as enabling various parties to enter the National Assembly, the controversy is not expected to subside easily.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Secretary General Yoon's remarks appear to be aimed at the Minjung Party and the Green Party, which are in talks with the Political Reform Alliance. The Green Party placed Kim Gihong, co-chair of the Jeju Queer Culture Festival Organizing Committee and an LGBTQ individual, at number 6 on their proportional representation list for the April 15 general election. Their pledges include removing gender markers from resident registration numbers, abolishing Article 92-6 of the Military Criminal Act?which punishes homosexuality in the military?legalizing marriage equality (same-sex marriage), and implementing gender-neutral policies, presenting minority equality issues.

When asked by reporters, "Does this mean the Green Party, which has proposed LGBTQ policies, will find it difficult to participate in the proportional alliance party?" Secretary General Yoon replied, "Aside from that part, there are many excellent policies, so we can work together, but the recommendation of proportional representation candidates is a matter that must be strictly negotiated." When asked if he meant that LGBTQ issues are unnecessary controversies, he emphasized, "They are exhausting controversies," and said, "I think it is not good for these issues to become election topics."

This stance also contradicts the spirit of the Democratic Party, which advocates for progressive parties. The Democratic Party's platform states, "We respect and guarantee the rights and safety of socially vulnerable and minority groups, and create a society where no difference leads to discrimination." As a result, critical voices emerged within the party. The Democratic Party's LGBTQ Committee preparatory group urged Secretary General Yoon to apologize and retract his remarks, stating, "Presidents Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun specified sexual orientation as a prohibited ground for discrimination in the National Human Rights Commission Act and the Anti-Discrimination Act."

Criticism also poured in from outside the party. Lim Taehoon, director of the Military Human Rights Center, classified as a progressive figure, pointed out, "LGBTQ individuals are taxpayers and legitimate voters and should be recognized as such." Kang Minjin, spokesperson for the Justice Party, criticized, "Where has the justification gone for choosing the proportional alliance party to guarantee seats for the diverse values represented by minority parties?" The Minsheng Party stated, "We cannot thread a needle just because the general election situation is turning serious."

Meanwhile, Secretary General Yoon drew a line regarding the Minjung Party, saying, "We cannot join with a party on the far left," and added, "I do not want ideological issues to arise." The Minjung Party, which was pointed out for 'ideology,' is mainly composed of former members of the Unified Progressive Party, which the Democratic Party has expressed reluctance toward.

Secretary General Yoon had previously emphasized in November, when he was appointed head of the general election planning team, "We plan to carefully review hate speech records and reflect them in candidate nominations."

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