Ryu Ho-jeong: "I Cannot Avoid Any Criticism... I Will Constantly Be Scolded"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Ryu Ho-jeong, the newly appointed chief floor deputy leader of the Justice Party (photo), said on the 26th regarding the sexual harassment case involving former leader Kim Jong-chul, "We cannot avoid any criticism or blame," adding, "We will continuously accept reprimands." The Justice Party appointed Representative Ryu as the successor to Jang Hye-young, who served as chief and floor spokesperson, at the party meeting that day.

At a press conference that morning, Chief Floor Deputy Leader Ryu emphasized that there is no need for any excuses in response to the criticism that "the Justice Party was no different," stating, "The only way to restore trust is to uphold the last hope left by the victim, the belief that the Justice Party will handle the incident with a firm zero-tolerance attitude precisely because the perpetrator is the party leader, or rather, especially because he is the party leader."

She also addressed comments from the Democratic Party of Korea and the People Power Party. Chief Floor Deputy Leader Ryu said, "The Democratic Party described it as 'an event that goes beyond shock to sheer horror.' That is also correct," adding, "We will take action based on the principle of zero tolerance. We will also ensure that no further harm occurs." Regarding the People Power Party, she noted, "They commented that 'the true face and hypocrisy of those who have shouted for human rights and progress are making the public even angrier.' That is true," but also criticized, "However, twisting criticism of the Justice Party to attack the Democratic Party is quite embarrassing."

In a radio interview that morning, Chief Floor Deputy Leader Ryu said, "As a female politician active within the party, I felt our environment was relatively safe, but that was all a misconception," adding, "We must accept whatever criticism comes." Regarding the "April by-election outlook," Representative Ryu said, "I thought there would be questions about the election, but I was not prepared to say anything," and remarked, "With what face could I discuss election prospects now?"

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