Japanese Right-Wing Media: "Yoon Mi-hyang, Excuses, Denials, and Shamelessness Typical of Koreans"

Derogatory Remarks in Column from Seoul

Yoon Mi-hyang, then a Democratic Party of Korea elected member, held a press conference to explain allegations of accounting fraud related to the Justice Memory Solidarity on the 29th of last month at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. / Photo by Asia Economy DB

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lim Juhyung] The right-wing Japanese media outlet Sankei Shimbun caused an uproar by disparaging Koreans in a column published on the 2nd (local time) that referenced a press conference held by Yoon Mee-hyang, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea.

In a column titled "Will We Continue to Pursue This in a Korean Way?" published that day, Sankei Shimbun claimed that regarding Yoon’s press conference on the 29th of last month, "Yoon displayed behaviors and attitudes common among Koreans when placed in a difficult position."

The outlet cited examples of attitudes commonly seen in Koreans such as "making excuses," "self-justification," "putting on a serious face," "strong obstinacy," and "shamelessness." It added, "Yoon received criticism from citizens due to an added layer of ‘annoyingness’ beyond those traits."

It further stated, "In 2016, Korean citizens held candlelight protests criticizing the Park Geun-hye administration and removed the president from office," and added, "Just like that Korean way, we cannot take our eyes off whether the pursuit of Yoon will continue."

Column from the conservative Japanese media outlet Sankei Shimbun, Seoul, on the 2nd (local time) / Photo by Yonhap News

Meanwhile, after various allegations including the embezzlement of comfort women funds by the Justice and Memory Foundation surfaced, Yoon held a press conference at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 29th of last month to clarify the allegations.

On that day, she said, "I will clarify any shortcomings without a trace of suspicion through the prosecution’s investigation and additional explanations," and expressed her intention to retain her parliamentary seat by stating, "I will clarify everything and work responsibly until the public is convinced."

Regarding whether she would be summoned by the prosecution, she responded, "I have no intention of avoiding (the investigation)," and said, "I plan to sincerely fulfill all responsibilities during and after the prosecution’s investigation process."

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