Mention of US Capitol Riot Brings 'Tears'... Jung Sye-kyun Has Changed

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-gyun is seen with reddened eyes during an emergency question session on the COVID-19 quarantine status, vaccine supply situation, and vaccination timing at the National Assembly plenary session hall in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 8th, while speaking about small business owners and self-employed individuals affected by the pandemic.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun recently referred to the storming of the U.S. Capitol, saying he felt a "strange d?j? vu." Some suggest that this comment is linked to his emotional remarks about self-employed workers the day before, interpreting it as a sign that the "Mr. Smile" Chung Sye-kyun has changed.

On the 9th, Prime Minister Chung said on social media, "At the start of the new year, watching the U.S., once regarded as a symbol of democracy, have its Capitol violently invaded, I feel a strange d?j? vu and am jolted to alertness."

He continued, "In a democratic system, the people are the masters, and the ultimate goal must also be the people," adding, "Politics that discriminate against, divide, and incite the people are the enemies of democracy."

He further stated, "Incitement is easier than persuasion, and dogmatism is easier than dialogue," promising, "Though difficult and challenging, I will strive to persuade and engage in dialogue to build a country where not just 'us' but everyone prospers together?a model democracy, the Republic of Korea."

The Prime Minister's Office explained that the "d?j? vu" Chung mentioned refers to the December 2019 incident when fervent supporters of the Liberty Korea Party stormed the National Assembly, attempting unauthorized entry into the main building and causing physical clashes.

Earlier, on the 6th (local time), an unprecedented event occurred in the U.S. when supporters of then-President Trump stormed the Capitol to protest the confirmation of President-elect Biden's victory. This led to an abrupt suspension of the House and Senate sessions and the emergency evacuation of lawmakers including Vice President Mike Pence. During the suppression, one female protester was shot and killed, with a total of four deaths reported.

Photo by Jeong Chong-ri, captured from Facebook

Some speculate that this statement signals Prime Minister Chung, once considered a potential presidential candidate, is beginning to assert himself more prominently. In other words, it is seen as a sharp rebuke to the opposition party, which has continuously opposed government policies, as well as a strong declaration of his commitment to "focus solely on the people."

Coincidentally, Chung's mention of the violent incident at the U.S. Capitol coincided with his emotional response the previous day (the 8th) during an emergency parliamentary inquiry on COVID-19 prevention and vaccination, where he spoke about self-employed workers and shed tears.

On the 8th, in response to Justice Party lawmaker Bae Jin-kyo's remark that "the government should not simply force merchants to close their businesses but provide substantial support to help them endure even if they have to close," Chung replied, "I fully understand, and when I put myself in their shoes, I feel tears welling up."

When Bae asked, "How will you wipe away the tears of self-employed workers who have to pay rent despite not being able to operate?" Chung lowered his head and said, "It is truly difficult," wiping away tears with a handkerchief.

He added, "I have also spoken to the President about this issue and shared concerns," and said, "I think this should be an opportunity for the political sphere and the government to work together to create measures while going through the COVID crisis."

Political circles reacted to Chung's actions by saying "Chung Sye-kyun has changed." Although Chung was known for his gentle demeanor, earning the nickname "Mr. Smile," he had not stood out compared to figures like Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung and Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yon, and was considered one of the potential presidential hopefuls. However, his unusual actions?from shedding tears to commenting on the U.S. Capitol storming?have sparked mixed reactions among netizens.

Some supporters said, "Chung's tears showed genuine concern." However, others criticized, saying, "Isn't that crocodile tears?" and "Didn't he say last February, 'It's easier now because there are fewer customers'?"

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