'Plagiarism Scandal' Son Chang-hyun's Political Entry Set to Be Canceled [Exclusive Interview]

Son Chang-hyun, Who Swept Various Contests Through 'Plagiarism', Appointed Last Year as People Power Party Defense and Security Subcommittee Chair
Criticism Arises Claiming Political Ambitions
People Power Party Immediately Dismisses Son Amid Growing Scandal
Son Chang-hyun: "I Am Truly Sorry for Causing Social Controversy"

On November 19 last year, Mr. Son Chang-hyun was appointed as a member of the People Power Party's Defense and Security Subcommittee. The photo shows the committee member appointment certificate, which even bears the seal of Emergency Response Committee Chairman Kim Jong-in. Photo by Son Chang-hyun (Facebook capture)

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Son Chang-hyun, who caused a major social controversy by unauthorizedly quoting other people's novels or outright plagiarizing original texts and sweeping various literary awards, has sparked considerable repercussions after it was revealed that he was politically active as a member of the People Power Party. As the controversy grew, it was revealed on the 20th that the People Power Party dismissed Son from the subcommittee.

Son was active in the People Power Party's Defense and Security Subcommittee. Parliamentary subcommittees are committees established within the National Assembly or local councils to review bills and petitions under their jurisdiction before they proceed to the plenary session. They can influence legislation directly related to the people's livelihood in various forms.

Therefore, these positions are prone to conflicts of interest and require a high level of ethical awareness. Son Chang-hyun, who caused significant social problems by indiscriminately plagiarizing others' works and receiving awards and prize money, was in such a position. Son emphasized that he did not join the People Power Party with any specific political purpose.

Earlier, when allegations related to Son, who caused the 'plagiarism scandal,' were repeatedly reported, the People Power Party immediately decided to dismiss him on the 18th. A People Power Party official stated, "(Son Chang-hyun) caused various social controversies," and added, "There will be no reconsideration or retrial of the disciplinary decision."

Given the situation, some criticize that Son may have gained a kind of confidence by winning awards in various contests through plagiarism and tried to enter politics. It is pointed out that he attempted to enter the political arena based on his active social activity record through numerous contest wins and awards.

In response to such criticism, Son stated that his connection to his residence and his military career specialty were the only reasons he applied to the committee within the People Power Party. He claimed it was not for any particular political purpose but rather to build a kind of political career.

Son said, "I was a professional soldier and only served in the military, so after discharge, it was my first time joining a political party." He continued, "The reason I joined the People Power Party is that I live in Yeongju, Gyeongbuk, which is a stronghold of the People Power Party, so I naturally decided to join."

He added, "When I was in university, I also attended institutions like the Open Uri Party Academy," and explained, "I was not a party member then. I liked President Roh Moo-hyun at the time. Later, my political views shifted to a conservative stance. So, I wanted to have party membership and planned to be active only as a party member."

Regarding the application process for the subcommittee, he said, "Coincidentally, recruitment announcements for each committee were posted, and I applied to the Defense and Security Subcommittee using my military experience and was accepted," adding, "When I joined, I realized that the Defense and Security Subcommittee is an unpaid honorary position."

Son Chang-hyun, who caused social controversy by obtaining various illicit profits such as winning collaborative works through plagiarism of novels and other people's works, has been dismissed from the People Power Party's Defense and Security Subcommittee where he was active. Photo by Han Seung-gon hsg@asiae.co.kr

Regarding the People Power Party's decision to dismiss him, Son said, "At first, I thought there were many procedural problems, such as not giving me a chance to explain during the dismissal process," but added, "However, since I caused various social controversies due to my mistakes, I decided to accept it cleanly."

Son was appointed as the Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Defense and Security Subcommittee of the People Power Party's 1st Central Committee on November 19 last year.

Shortly after his appointment, Son posted on his Facebook, "It was a time when I could hear broad and subjective opinions together with Chairman Kim Sung-tae (former floor leader and three-term National Assembly member) and Chairman Kim Yong-heon of the Defense and Security Subcommittee (former Capital Defense Command and Joint Chiefs of Staff Operations Headquarters commander)," and also revealed the appointment certificate he received from the People Power Party.

The appointment certificate reads, "Appointed as a member of the Defense and Security Subcommittee of the People Power Party Central Committee. November 19, 2020. Kim Jong-in, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party," and bears Chairman Kim's seal. Son, holding the certificate, also took commemorative photos with Kim Sung-tae, then Central Committee Chairman, and other People Power Party officials.

Meanwhile, Son recently expressed repeated apologies regarding the plagiarism controversy involving various literary and contest works he caused, saying, "I sincerely apologize to the directly affected parties as well as to the public for causing social controversy. I truly apologize."

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