Geum Tae-seop "Is There Even One Critic of Kim Eo-jun Among Democratic Party Politicians?... Pointing Out the Ruling Party Reality"

Independent candidate Geum Tae-seop for Seoul mayor is being interviewed by the press on the 15th at a meeting of the National Solidarity Against Disability Discrimination held at Nodle Disabled Night School on Dongsung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Independent preliminary candidate Geum Tae-seop, who is running in the April 7 Seoul mayoral by-election, strongly criticized broadcaster Kim Eo-jun, labeling him as an 'extremist.' Geum previously pointed out Kim's political bias and included the abolition of Kim's program 'TBS Radio News Factory' as part of his campaign promises.

In an interview with Seoul Economy on the 21st, Geum said, "The Democratic Party does not actively spread conspiracy theories. However, they either overlook them or align with conspiracy theorists," adding, "I think Kim Eo-jun is a prime example."

Referring to the Sewol ferry incident, Geum criticized, "What has long troubled the families of the victims are the conspiracy theorists," and accused Kim of spreading conspiracy theories whenever issues unfavorable to the ruling party arise, inflicting irreparable wounds on the victims.

Previously, Kim had raised conspiracy theories related to the Sewol ferry incident, such as claiming that the Park Geun-hye administration deliberately sank the Sewol ferry. He has also propagated distorted claims regarding the #MeToo movement, which involves sexual violence victims accusing perpetrators, and conspiracy theories about the behind-the-scenes of the press conference held by comfort woman survivor Lee Yong-soo exposing accounting fraud in the Justice and Memory Foundation.

Geum also raised his voice in criticism against the Democratic Party. He questioned, "Has any Democratic Party politician ever stood up to criticize Kim?" Geum asked what distinguishes the Democratic Party from extremist politicians worldwide, such as former U.S. President Donald Trump, and stated that the Democratic Party, which sympathizes with Kim, also bears responsibility.

Broadcaster Kim Eo-jun. Photo by Yonhap News

Geum had previously continuously raised issues regarding Kim's political bias.

In a post on Facebook last December, Geum criticized Kim, saying, "His bias is extreme and manifests in various ways, causing tremendous harm," and added, "Especially to those in difficult circumstances in our society, those who find it hard to raise their voices, he inflicts great wounds."

He continued, "The issue of political interference is also serious. It is not simply a matter of bias favoring the ruling party and disparaging the opposition," and criticized, "Senior ruling party lawmakers line up to appear on that broadcast (News Factory) and act like parrots following the direction he commands. The reality of the current ruling party is that if you are favored by him, you rise; if you are disliked, you fall."

Geum said, "Whatever personal claims Kim makes are his freedom," but pointed out, "He occupies the airwaves, a public resource, through a broadcasting station that receives financial support from the Seoul city government. Kim's criteria for attack and judgment are only one: whether it benefits or harms the political forces he supports."

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