Criticism Pours In Over "Moon as Ceremonial President" Remark... Jin Joong-kwon Says "Calling Past Presidents 'Jwibak' Was by the Democratic Party"

Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon is giving a lecture at the first session of the On-Gukmin Study Room titled "What is Justice in Our Time?" held on the morning of the 10th at the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeouido, Seoul. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lim Juhyung] On the 10th, at a lecture in the National Assembly, former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon, who was criticized by ruling party figures for claiming that President Moon Jae-in seemed like a "ceremonial president," has issued a rebuttal.

On the 12th, Jin posted on his Facebook, responding to Democratic Party lawmaker Shin Dong-geun, who criticized him with the intention of "maintaining dignity and courtesy," by saying, "Compared to past statements by Democratic Party figures, this is quite gentlemanly."

Jin said, "The Democratic Party lawmakers themselves set that example," and added, "First, let's look at the manners and dignity of those who criticize the president."

He pointed out, "In 2009, Democratic Party lawmaker Cheon Jeong-bae called former President Lee Myung-bak 'Jwibaki,' 'Ttangbaki,' and '2Mega,' and in 2010, at a rally to judge Lee Myung-bak's dictatorship, he made extreme remarks like 'Shouldn't we kill him?'"

He continued, "In 2013, Democratic Party floor spokesperson Hong Ik-pyo called former President Park Chung-hee 'the bastard of Manchukuo,' and former President Park Geun-hye 'the descendant of the bastard,' and in 2015, lawmaker Lee Jong-geol also called former President Park 'that X,'" adding, "Such refined expressions do not suit my humble mouth, so I used the violent and vulgar term 'ceremonial president.'"

Jin argued, "Former President Roh Moo-hyun was a symbol of 'anti-authoritarianism,' as he removed his rank insignia and fought hand-to-hand with a regular prosecutor, even being mocked by the prosecutor for not having attended university," and "However, his friend, President Moon, has somehow become a symbol of 'authoritarianism.'"

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