"Huh Kyung-young Style Propaganda, It's Fine Even If Na Kyung-young Wins"... The Shadow of 'Huh Kyung-young' Looming Over Politics

허 Gyeong-yeong Openly Mentioned Throughout Institutional Politics
From Symbol of Absurd Promises to a Meaning Beyond
Calls for Self-Reflection in Media and Institutional Politics Emerge

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Ahead of the April 7 by-elections, the name Heo Kyung-young is openly circulating in political circles. Expressions such as "Heo Kyung-young-style agitation of income-led growth" have appeared targeting the frontrunner for the next presidential election, and the leading candidate for the mayor of Seoul from the main opposition party has even mentioned that he would be fine with becoming "Na-Kyung-young." The fact that Heo Kyung-young, once known as a symbol of absurd policies or lies, has emerged prominently on the political stage is undoubtedly a phenomenon.

On the 10th, Jeju Province Governor Won Hee-ryong appeared on CBS Radio's "Kim Hyun-jung's News Show" and criticized Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung's disaster income issue, saying, "Heo Kyung-young says, 'Why not give 100 million won each?'" and added, "This is Heo Kyung-young-style agitation of income-led growth."

Representative Na, who challenged the People Power Party's Seoul mayoral primary, also announced a pledge to provide 117 million won as part of real estate and low birthrate countermeasures. He faced criticism asking if this was "Na-Kyung-young," a combination of Na Kyung-won and Heo Kyung-young. Former lawmaker Oh Shin-hwan, a primary competitor, said, "When I first heard (Na's pledge), it was very absurd, and upon closer inspection, there are strange aspects," and pointed out, "I don't understand if moving into half-price apartments, which already receive benefits, and then receiving interest support again is justified."

In response to such criticism, former Representative Na countered, saying, "I deeply regret the distorted attacks." However, on the 9th, appearing on CBS Radio's "Kim Hyun-jung's News Show," he stated, "I think it would be fine to become 'Na-Kyung-young' for the sake of future generations." This is a significantly changed attitude compared to when he expressed discomfort just at being compared to Heo Kyung-young.

Jeon Hee-ryong, Governor of Jeju, is giving a greeting at the 'Park Won-soon Administration Lost 10 Years, Promise for a New Leap' presentation held at the People Power Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul on the 20th. 2021.1.20 Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers [Image source=Yonhap News]

It does not end there. Regarding the opposition unity platform involving Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, and former lawmaker Geum Tae-seop, online discussions have emerged suggesting that "Heo Kyung-young" should also be included. Lee Tae-gyu, secretary-general of the People’s Party, mentioned about opening the door for third-force unity, saying, "If a candidate undermines the sincerity of unity or ridicules the primary process, we need to make a judgment based on common sense," which is also a remark clearly conscious of Heo Kyung-young.

Former lawmaker Na Kyung-won, a candidate for the People Power Party's Seoul mayoral primary, visited the Central Post Office in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 9th, cheering on postal workers busy with Lunar New Year delivery duties. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

Concerns are also being raised about the frequent mention of Heo Kyung-young’s name in political circles. The mere appearance of his name reflects public disappointment with institutional politics. Although Heo Kyung-young’s National Revolutionary Party only garnered 0.71% of the vote in the last general election, his vote share could increase in this Seoul mayoral election.

Lee Kwang-jae, secretary-general of the Korea Manifesto Practice Headquarters, pointed out the responsibility of the political circles and the media regarding the circulation of Heo Kyung-young’s name in politics. Lee said, "In the U.S., candidates worse than Heo Kyung-young appear, but the media and political circles do not pay attention," adding, "This is because they provide information about candidates with a chance of winning for voters’ wise choices." He criticized, "We mention Heo Kyung-young for gossip, which means the media fails in its role as a social public air, and the political circles also make institutional politics look ridiculous just by comparing to Heo Kyung-young."

However, a political scientist said, "The phenomenon of Heo Kyung-young being mentioned cannot be simply explained by political disgust." He explained, "If what he said was merely nonsense, it would be political disgust, but it is also true that some of his pledges have materialized."

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