"Daughter-in-law calls 'Father-in-law an unpolished gem,' Kim Dae-ho steps in to quell harsh remarks"

Daughter-in-law: "Father-in-law's very existence will advance our country's politics and bring a new wind"

Kim Dae-ho, the United Future Party candidate for Gwanak-gap, who was expelled by the party's Ethics Committee over controversial remarks deemed 'generation disparagement,' is explaining the intent of his statements at a press conference held on the 8th in front of the United Future Party office in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] As Kim Dae-ho, the United Future Party candidate for Seoul Gwanak-gap, faces expulsion for remarks implying that people in their 30s and 40s are ignorant and illogical and that everyone becomes disabled as they age, his daughter-in-law has come forward to clarify his statements, calling the controversy an "absurd misunderstanding."

In a post on Facebook on the 8th, Kim’s daughter-in-law recalled the time of their marriage in 2016, saying, "My father-in-law’s first impression was honest, straightforward, unpolished, and unique," and added, "After several years, when I think of him now, the phrase that comes to mind is 'a boy who wants to change the world.'"

She continued, "In fact, I often disagree with my father-in-law politically and oppose his opinions," but emphasized, "However, I want to say that the absurd misunderstandings about him are wrong."

She described Kim as "a teacher who may not make a great first impression but ends the school year with tears when parting from students." She explained, "At first, he may be misunderstood and disliked by students, but through thorough preparation and capability, he raises their academic levels," and "At first, you might wonder what kind of teacher he is, but when a student is truly struggling, he sincerely helps them."

She added, "His very presence will diversify and advance our country's politics and bring a new breeze," calling him "a rough, unpolished gem."

Kim Dae-ho, the Future United Party candidate for Gwanak-gap, Seoul, who was expelled for two consecutive days due to 'generation-disparaging' remarks, held a press conference in front of the party office in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the 8th to express his position.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, on the 7th, during a broadcast debate, Kim made a controversial remark about the construction of a sports center for the disabled in the Gwanak area, saying, "Disabled people are diverse. Grade 1, 2, 3... as you get older, everyone becomes disabled," which sparked criticism for belittling the elderly.

Additionally, on the 5th, at a Seoul field election committee meeting, he said, "People in their 30s and 40s have no logic."

On the same day, the United Future Party held an ethics committee meeting and began the process of expelling Kim. If his expulsion is confirmed, he will lose his candidacy under the Public Official Election Act.

Meanwhile, Kim announced his intention to file an appeal within 10 days against the expulsion decision. At a press conference held in front of the party headquarters, he said, "I understand, but I think this is a very unfair measure. I will file an appeal and, if necessary, seek a provisional injunction."

He raised his voice, saying, "Legally, I can and intend to complete the race. I am still candidate number 2 of the United Future Party. Isn’t the United Future Party a party with principles and procedures?"

He urged, "If a severe punishment that is far from fairness is imposed, I worry that the United Future Party’s support rate will not rebound but rather plummet. I hope the ethics committee and the supreme council reconsider this decision."

Regarding the remarks that caused the "controversial remarks" issue, he explained, "I said that as people age, they all become disabled or generally have disabilities, so the intention was to create facilities that such people can use comfortably. The media’s malicious distortion and editing, and the party leadership interpreting it as belittling the elderly, is utterly unreasonable," expressing his grievance.

He emphasized, "I will continue campaigning very hard," and added, "I believe I will receive a lot of support and encouragement because many people think this decision is unfair."

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