Kang Hyo-sang: "Kim Jeong-ran Should Refrain from Vulgar Language... Nazism Also Originated from Narrow-minded Thinking"

"Calling Those Who Didn't Vote for the Democratic Party Vulgar Is Arrogant and Dangerous"

Kang Hyo-sang, Member of the United Future Party / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lim Juhyung] Kang Hyosang, a member of the United Future Party, criticized Kim Jeongran, Honorary Professor at Sangji University, who sparked controversy over derogatory regional remarks, saying, "Refrain from low-level language that further incites extreme politics."

On the 20th, Kang wrote on his Facebook, "Saying that those who did not vote for the Democratic Party of Korea are vulgar, or that Daegu citizens are not our people, is all arrogant and extremely dangerous," adding, "Do you truly not know that Nazism and Fascism, which once turned the world into a sea of fire, were born from such narrow-minded thinking?"

He continued, "Regional political preferences exist everywhere in the world," pointing out, "In the United States, California is strongly Democratic, and Texas is a traditional Republican stronghold."

He further explained, "However, the winning side in elections does not blame or ridicule residents of opposing regions. Everyone is respected as the same people," adding, "Recognizing diversity and differences in thought within the bounds of not harming social peace is the foundation of democracy."

Earlier, on the 16th, a day after the 21st general election, Professor Kim wrote on her Facebook, "How about Daegu becoming independent and going to Japan," adding, "Leading your affiliated lawmakers and local government heads. Your master country Japan, the homeland of Takaki Masao, will welcome you with open arms," which sparked controversy among some netizens as derogatory regional remarks.

Subsequently, Professor Kim said, "There was excess in my remarks regarding the Daegu election results. I apologize," adding, "Although I did not refer to all Daegu citizens, my remarks were nonetheless thoughtless."

Meanwhile, in this general election, 24 out of 25 constituencies in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region were won by United Future Party candidates. The remaining one, Daegu Suseong District, was won by Hong Junpyo, former leader of the Liberty Korea Party, who ran as an independent.

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