Controversy over 'Hugung Remarks' Jo Su-jin Apologizes to Go Min-jeong: "Sorry for Misogynistic Comments"

It Breaks My Heart as It Becomes a Political Controversy
The Controversial Post Has Been Taken Down

Rep. So Su-jin of the People Power Party Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-joo] On the 28th, Jo Su-jin, a member of the People Power Party who was embroiled in controversy over her 'concubine remarks,' apologized to Go Min-jeong, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea.

Jo said on her Facebook that day, "I regret that the criticism caused controversy, which was different from the original intention."

She added, "It is unfortunate that my critical post about the candidate running in the upcoming April Seoul mayoral by-election, which is being held due to a 'power-type sexual incident,' used figurative expressions that were misunderstood as insults or misogyny, becoming a subject of political controversy. As a female lawmaker myself, and from the standpoint of advocating for the expansion of women's political participation regardless of party lines, it pains me that the figurative expression has become a political controversy involving misogyny."

"I have taken down the post with the figurative expression that caused controversy," and apologized to Representative Go as well.

Earlier, Jo had mocked former Seoul Mayor Oh, who competed against Go Min-jeong in last year's April general election, through Facebook, saying, "Go Min-jeong, whom the Moon Jae-in administration cherishes and loves, mocked former Seoul Mayor Oh, who was a close competitor in last year's general election. It is utterly vulgar," and added, "Even a concubine in the Joseon Dynasty who bore a prince would not have been treated like this."

Following the post, Go filed a complaint against Jo, and the Democratic Party strongly opposed it. Go submitted a complaint to the Yongsan Police Station in Seoul, where Jo resides, the day before. She warned, "Jo is a lawmaker of the main opposition party who receives public funds. Some may say to just endure it, but I do not intend to do so," and added, "I am considering both criminal and civil actions." Forty-one Democratic Party lawmakers, including Hong Ik-pyo and Jeong Cheong-rae, held a press conference demanding Jo's resignation, calling it "unimaginable abusive language" and "clear sexual harassment."

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