"Kim Jong-un Enlightened Monarch" Also Yoo Si-min? Political Sphere Stirred by One Word

Yoo Si-min's "Kim Jong-un Enlightened Monarch Remark" Sparks Political Controversy
Returns with 'Alileo Season 3'... Book Criticism, Not Political Commentary
Views of Ruling Party 'Speaker' Role Including Introduction of Democratic Party Policies
Experts Say "Will Engage in Activities Revealing Political Vision and Insight"

Yoo Si-min, Chairman of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] The opposition parties have been voicing criticism day after day over Yoo Si-min, chairman of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, comparing North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un to an "enlightened monarch." An enlightened monarch refers to a ruler who pursues rational and reformist politics, and according to Yoo's remarks, there is room to interpret Kim as a kind of politician who enacts rational reforms rather than a dictator.

When controversy arose, Yoo said, "All I learned is a sin. Maybe I made too sophisticated a comparison." However, apart from Yoo's "enlightened monarch" comment, some see the flood of criticism from opposition parties as a sign of the ripple effect of Yoo's remarks.

Currently, Yoo is set to return with "Alileo Season 3." He stated that the program would focus on "book reviews," but some speculate that, like his "enlightened monarch" comment, he might voice opinions on political and social issues.

On the YouTube broadcast "Kim Eo-jun's Das Bweida," released on the 30th of last month, Yoo said, "Those who criticize calling him an enlightened monarch would have been the kind to accuse Socrates if they were born in Athens 2,500 years ago."

On that day, Yoo mentioned 18th-century Russian Empress Catherine the Great and Austrian ruler Maria Theresa, explaining, "(They were) mean, but called enlightened monarchs. They were dictators but valued education and treated Jews generously."

He added, "Kim Jong-un became an absolute monarch due to biological fate," and said, "Trying to do things as in the past, people wouldn't tolerate it, and these are attempts to maintain dictatorship longer, but it's better than not doing anything."

Opposition parties have criticized this. Kim Geun-sik, head of the People Power Party's Songpa-byeong district in Seoul, wrote on his Facebook on the 1st, calling Yoo's description of Kim Jong-un as an "enlightened monarch" a "sophisticated metaphor," and said Yoo "cannot distinguish heaven and earth and is misleading the public."

Kim said, "Enlightened monarch is a common term anyone learns in high school world history," and added, "Yoo seems to mistakenly believe his knowledge world is quite sophisticated."

He continued, "There is no reason to blame hoping Kim Jong-un becomes a somewhat refined and flexible enlightened monarch, unlike his predecessors," but "criticizes Yoo's excessive expectations that distort facts and mislead the public."

Earlier, on the 25th of last month, Yoo referred to Kim's apology by saying, "His leadership style is different from before. I feel he is like an enlightened monarch," which sparked criticism from opposition parties suggesting he was praising Kim.

Yoo Si-min, chairman of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, is hosting the 'Alileo' broadcast in October last year. Photo by 'Alileo' broadcast capture

Meanwhile, Yoo is returning with the YouTube show "Alileo Season 3." Season 3 is known to focus on book reviews rather than political commentary as Yoo had done before. However, since he expressed social criticism by calling Kim an enlightened monarch, some speculate he might also voice various political and social critiques through the program.

In particular, some view this as a kind of political move considering the upcoming Seoul and Busan mayoral by-elections next year and the 2022 presidential election.

There is an opinion that Yoo will inevitably voice opinions beneficial to the Moon Jae-in administration in some form, not just simple book reviews.

Some citizens also predict Yoo will not limit himself to mere book reviews.

A man in his 40s, office worker Lee, said, "Although Yoo says he will do book reviews on the show, given the politically significant issues like by-elections and the presidential election, he will inevitably voice political opinions. I don't think he will do a YouTube show unrelated to politics."

A man in his 30s, office worker Kim, also said, "I don't think a ruling party figure will only talk about books on YouTube," adding, "I think he will act as a kind of speaker helping the Moon Jae-in administration in some form."

Another man in his 40s, office worker Park, said, "Although he says he will do book reviews, it might be a book introducing a politician's autobiography or a book summarizing specific policies," and predicted, "Yoo's voice will come out on political issues like the by-elections."

Experts' views are not different from those of ordinary citizens.

Political commentator Lee Jong-hoon said, "Yoo has always shown a political side," emphasizing, "He may be interested in the by-elections or the presidential election." He added, "He himself may be interested in the presidential election. I expect he will use the form of book introductions to reveal his political vision or insight."

Meanwhile, Yoo repeatedly drew a line regarding the possibility of running for the next presidential election, saying, "Even if I am overwhelmingly number one in approval ratings, I will not do it."

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