Kim Dae-ho "I Understand the Ethics Committee's Decision but It's Harsh... Will Request Reconsideration"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Kim Dae-ho, the United Future Party candidate for Seoul Gwanak-gap, strongly opposed the Ethics Committee's decision to 'expel' him, stating that he will "file an appeal within 10 days."

On the morning of the same day, Kim held a press conference in front of the Yeongdeungpo party office and said, "I understand the United Future Party Ethics Committee's decision, but I think it is a seriously unfair measure." He had previously caused controversy with derogatory remarks about people in their 30s and 40s at the Seoul regional election headquarters on the 6th, and again sparked criticism for ageist remarks by saying "when you get older, you become disabled" at the Seoul regional candidate debate on the 7th.

In response, the United Future Party Ethics Committee made the decision to expel him on the morning of the 8th.

Kim apologized, saying, "Regardless of the reasons, I feel sorry to our party members, United Future Party supporters, and the public for this situation," but emphasized, "I will file an appeal against the Ethics Committee's decision within 10 days. If necessary, I can also file for an injunction."

He added, "I can complete the race, legally I can complete it, and I intend to do so," and said, "I am still candidate number 2 of the United Future Party. Our party is a party with principles and procedures, and I will file an appeal and injunction according to the procedures."

Regarding the controversy over the ageist remarks, he explained, "As you can see from the full statement, my remarks were not ageist but rather expressed respect and consideration for the elderly," and questioned, "Regarding the phrase 'all elderly people become disabled,' which some media outlets took issue with, I confirmed through many elderly people that it is not an expression that causes any humiliation. Is becoming disabled with age something to feel humiliated about?"

Kim requested reconsideration of the expulsion, saying, "If my remarks are considered so-called ageist remarks and I am expelled, the United Future Party will be embroiled in controversies over discrimination against the disabled, and I am concerned that our approval ratings will not rebound but rather fall."

He also apologized for the derogatory remarks about people in their 30s and 40s, saying, "Regardless of the exact wording or intent of my remarks, there is no doubt that many people in their 30s and 40s were hurt," and bowed his head. However, he emphasized, "When I made those remarks, I was specifically referring to people who think that all problems in South Korea are due to reactionary conservatives and Cold War vested interests, and who are trapped in great ignorance and delusion. If that had been clear, there would have been no problem. My intention was definitely that, but it seems the issue arose because it was not specified."

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