Kim Jong-in Stumbles Again Due to Cha Myung-jin's 'Sewol Ferry Remarks' Fallout... Withdrawal of Professor Lee Kyung-jeon's Recruitment

Kim Jong-in Withdraws Nomination of Cha Myung-jin, Who Defended Sewol Ferry Remarks
Cha Myung-jin: "Glad Not to Tarnish My Career by Entering a Place Full of Swindlers"

Kim Jong-in, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the United Future Party, is speaking at the expert meeting on the establishment of the Data Agency held at the National Assembly on the 11th. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] Kim Jong-in, the emergency committee chairman of the United Future Party, withdrew his plan on the 11th to recruit AI expert Professor Lee Kyung-jeon of Kyung Hee University as the head of Yeouido Research Institute, the party's think tank. This came after it was revealed belatedly that Professor Lee had defended former candidate Cha Myung-jin's 'Sewol ferry tent' remarks during the April 15 general election. Chairman Kim had previously faced difficulties due to a decline in party approval ratings caused by Cha's Sewol ferry-related remarks during the election period, leading to speculation that Cha's comments once again influenced Kim's actions.

After the emergency committee meeting held at the National Assembly that morning, Chairman Kim told reporters, "I thought it was inappropriate to bring someone with controversy into the research institute that supposedly represents the party, so I notified (the withdrawal) by text early this morning."

He added, "I didn't know much about the person. After some inquiries, I was told he had outstanding abilities, so I met him and made the offer. However, the media reported on his past actions, and considering that, I made the decision. Since this is not a law enforcement agency, there was no way to verify, and there was no time for verification."

Earlier, on April 10 at 10:41 a.m., Professor Lee shared an article related to Cha's remarks on his Facebook, saying, "I share a brave report about the incident that happened inside the Sewol ferry victims' tent. It is infuriating that ○○○ was done at a place where children’s deaths are mourned and struggles are held."

This is not the first time Chairman Kim's actions have been affected by Sewol ferry-related remarks from party members. During the last general election, Cha appeared on a TV debate and made remarks implying that "Sewol ferry victims' families had inappropriate relations with volunteer women."

Subsequently, on April 10, Cha received a disciplinary action of 'recommendation to leave the party,' one step below expulsion, at the Ethics Committee meeting held at the United Future Party headquarters in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul. However, despite this disciplinary action, on the following day, April 11, he posted a controversial message containing a vulgar phrase 'banner ○○○' on his Facebook, causing further controversy.

Professor Lee Kyung-jeon, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University / Photo by Yonhap News

As the controversy continued, the United Future Party held an emergency supreme council meeting chaired by former leader Hwang Kyo-ahn on April 13 and expelled Cha by official order. However, the court accepted Cha’s injunction request to suspend the expulsion decision, allowing him to complete his election campaign.

Despite the court ruling, the United Future Party stated, "We will not recognize him as our candidate," distancing themselves from Cha once again.

Nevertheless, during the election period, Cha posted on Facebook opposing the party’s stance. On election day, April 15, he claimed, "I have achieved everything I wanted during this election campaign. My goal in the election was to fight head-on against idols, sanctuaries, and cowardice that block freedom in this land, and the idolization of the Sewol ferry was one of them."

Although the party tried to manage the situation caused by his Sewol ferry-related remarks, he instead expressed his opinions, voicing views completely opposite to the party.

Meanwhile, on the same day, former lawmaker Cha sent congratulations to Professor Lee through his Facebook.

In his Facebook post, Cha said, "I am sorry to Professor Lee. No, rather, I congratulate him. When a white heron goes where crows play, it only gets hurt. It is fortunate that he avoided tarnishing his lifelong career as a conscientious intellectual by entering a place full of schemers."

He added, "What kind of work can be done with a group that cuts off those who speak the truth? When Professor Lee said that the AI he programmed would conduct candidate screening, how many of them would survive? Those who made a fuss about cutting Professor Lee were probably afraid of that. Professor Lee’s humiliation today will become a blessing in disguise in the future."

He continued, "I can’t stand it anymore either. I will sue Chairman Kim, who made expulsion a foregone conclusion against me who spoke the truth, causing serious damage to my votes in the pre-election, and those who blindly followed him," he added.

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