Gominjeong: "Inviting Poet Husband, Proceeding According to Residents' Wishes"

"99% of Comments Request 'Proceed as Planned'"

Gomin Jung, Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] Amid controversy over the fact that Democratic Party lawmaker Ko Min-jung invited her husband, poet Jo Ki-young, as a speaker for a special lecture conducted for residents, she has stated that the lecture will proceed as scheduled according to the residents' wishes.

On the 28th, Ko posted on her Facebook regarding the "Ko Min-jung's Go (高)-Class" (GoClass) lecture, saying, "I clearly wrote 'I will wait for your responses,'" and added, "I will follow your will."

She continued, "Among more than 200 comments so far, about 99% of people have requested that the lecture continue."

Earlier, on the 27th, Ko posted on her Facebook an announcement for additional recruitment of GoClass participants.

According to the post, the lecture series will feature 10 speakers, including Ko and her husband, poet Jo Ki-young, lawmaker Oh Young-hwan, copywriter Jung Cheol, historian Jeon Woo-yong, travel writer Son Mina, and singer Harim, covering various fields such as politics, culture, society, arts, and history. The lectures will be held over 10 weeks starting next month on the 5th, with a total tuition fee set at 200,000 KRW.

Recruitment Notice for 'Gominjeong's Go(高)-Class' Lecture Conducted by Gominjeong, Democratic Party of Korea, for Residents Photo by Gominjeong Facebook Capture

In response to the controversy that "an incumbent lawmaker is holding a paid lecture and invited her husband as a speaker," Ko posted on the same day explaining, "Many district lawmakers conduct various forms of special lectures," and "If the lectures were held for free, it would be considered 'providing money or goods,' which violates election laws."

Ko explained, "The operation of GoClass was pre-approved, and all lecturers' fees are set in accordance with the Kim Young-ran Act. Jo Ki-young is a poet before being my husband. He was scheduled to lecture on poetry and discourse about the world that he can share with residents. He was invited because he best understands and personally practices gender equality and the importance of childcare."

She added, "Nevertheless, if there are people who feel uncomfortable, I will exclude him from the speakers. It is sad, but that is the reality of today's Korea that I must accept," and concluded, "I will wait for your responses."

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