United Future Party's Kim Dae-ho's '3040 Ignorance' Remark Sparks Controversy... "Try Being 3040"

United Future Party Warns Candidate Kim Dae-ho for Saying "3040 Have No Logic"
Hwang Kyo-ahn Calls It "Very Inappropriate Remark"
Kim Jong-in States "Not the Party's Position... 30s and 40s Are the Backbone of Our Country"

Candidate of the United Future Party running in Gwanak-gap, Seoul, in the April 15 general election. Photo by Yonhap News Agency capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Kim Dae-ho (56), a candidate from the United Future Party running in Seoul Gwanak-gap, sparked controversy on the 6th by making remarks implying that people in their 30s and 40s "lack logic." The United Future Party, concerned that repeated verbal missteps could shake the general election landscape, issued a stern warning to Kim, but criticism from those in their 30s and 40s continues to grow.

At a meeting of the United Future Party's Seoul regional election committee that day, Kim said, "People in their 60s and 70s understand well how South Korea achieved development under very harsh conditions, but those in their 30s and 40s seem not to know that well," adding, "They were born into a country that was already somewhat livable, so their standards seem to be like those of Europe or the United States."

He also said, "People in their 50s, who are between the 60s and 70s generations, have a logical awareness of issues. But those in their mid-30s and 40s do not have logic. It is a huge ignorance and delusion."

As Kim's remarks spread online, with criticism that he was making so-called "generation disparagement" and other offensive comments, Kim posted an apology on his Facebook around 3 p.m.

He said, "I bow my head and sincerely apologize for causing hurt with my thoughtless remarks," explaining, "What I meant was that the coldness toward the United Future Party from those in their mid-30s to 40s, which I felt during the election campaign, should serve as a whip for the party’s reflection and innovation."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

However, criticism surrounding the remarks continues. Especially, people in their 30s and 40s have responded with disbelief.

A 30-something office worker, Mr. A, said, "I want to ask if people can choose when they are born," pointing out, "Hardships are not only for those in their 30s and 40s but every generation, including teenagers and people in their 20s, each has their own struggles." He added, "If people in their 30s and 40s are so ignorant and illogical, then it is absurd that they are being asked for votes."

Another office worker in his 40s, Mr. B, said, "I live in Seoul Gwanak. I was deeply hurt by the candidate’s remarks," raising his voice, "I hope the ignorant 40s experience what it’s like to be on the receiving end."

Netizens also continued their criticism. One netizen said, "I have never thought that I was born into a somewhat livable country," adding, "On the contrary, there have been many terrifying moments realizing that this is the country I was born into."

As the controversy spread, party leader Hwang Kyo-ahn called the remarks "very inappropriate."

Kim Jong-in, the general election committee chairman, quickly moved to contain the situation, saying, "I hope the media refrain from reporting one individual’s words as if they represent the party’s position." He emphasized, "I firmly believe that people in their 30s and 40s form the backbone of our country and will make relatively rational decisions in the general election."

Meanwhile, Kim graduated from Seoul National University’s Department of Metallurgical Engineering in 1982 and was involved in labor movements in the 1980s. After joining Daewoo Motors in 1995, he served as director of the Social Design Research Institute from 2006. He later advised politicians and is running as the United Future Party candidate for Gwanak-gap in the 21st general election. In the 2012 general election, he ran as a preliminary candidate for the Democratic United Party in Gwanak-gap.

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