Park Yong-jin, Targeted by Pro-Moon Faction After Apologizing for Chu Allegations, Says "Korean Politics Is Regrettable"

Park Yong-jin, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is holding a press conference to propose an amendment to the Commercial Act at the National Assembly Communication Office last June. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Park Yongjin, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea who has been continuously criticized by pro-Moon Jae-in supporters, criticized on the 18th, saying, "Politics in the Republic of Korea is about tearing down, mocking, and criticizing the opponent, and then receiving more applause."

On the 16th, Park said on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' regarding the allegations of special military leave privileges for the son of Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae, "Education and military service are matters of national interest and a sensitive issue for all citizens. As a fellow member of the National Assembly, I feel sorry about the allegations themselves," which drew fierce criticism from pro-Moon (Chinmun) supporters.

On the same day, Park pointed out in a post on his Facebook, "Politics is about understanding the opponent, persuading them, and compromising for the benefit of the community," adding, "These words are easy to say, but in reality, we are not like that."

He then referred to former South African President Nelson Mandela, saying, "But Mandela was insulted and called a traitor by his own supporters, yet he truly did what was necessary," and "Watching Mandela again, I realize anew how one must act to create political change in the world."

He lamented, "Politics in the Republic of Korea now unfolds in a way that tearing down, mocking, and criticizing the opponent brings more applause and a feeling of victory. It is regrettable."

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