Song Young-gil Criticizes 'Daekkaemun'... Kim Eo-jun Says "Timely, If You Can't Overcome This, You Can't Run in the Election"

"Election Campaigns Going Online Intensify Supporter Conflicts"
"There Is a Strategy to Destroy Unity Among Supporters"

Broadcaster Kim Eo-jun, who hosts TBS's "Kim Eo-jun's News Factory." / Photo by TBS Broadcasting

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Broadcaster Kim Eo-jun, who hosts the TBS current affairs program 'Kim Eo-jun's News Factory' (News Factory), evaluated Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, for his so-called 'Daekkæmun' remark as "timely."

On the 6th, during the TBS radio 'News Factory' broadcast, Kim said, "The term itself is provocative at this point in time," but added, "If you can't get past this level, you can't hold an election."

He continued, "During election periods, real supporters and fake supporters pretending to be real are naturally divided. This happens in every election," explaining, "With election campaigns moving online, this phenomenon has become more severe."

He added, "Here, there are supporters of Lee Jae-myung; there, supporters of Lee Nak-yeon; on this side, supporters of Chung Sye-kyun; and on that side, supporters of Chu Mi-ae," pointing out, "Since I run a site myself, I've seen this a lot. How can one person support three or four people at the same time?"

Kim emphasized, "When someone wins, these people continue with the logic of 'I'd rather choose the opposing candidate,' and so after the primary ends and the final candidate is selected, there is always a strategy to damage unity by worsening feelings among the real supporters."

Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Kwanhoon Debate held at the Seoul Press Center on the morning of the 5th, responding to questions. / Photo by Yonhap News

Earlier, on the 5th, Song Young-gil sparked controversy by mentioning 'Daekkæmun,' a derogatory term for President Moon Jae-in's hardcore supporters, at a Kwanhun Club invitation debate held at the Seoul Press Center.

On that day, Song said, "The so-called 'Daekkæmun' must clearly realize that the moment they think complacently, 'If someone (the Democratic Party presidential candidate) wins, I'd rather vote for the opposition,' they cannot protect President Moon nor ensure his success."

He continued, "At the end of President Roh Moo-hyun's term, some pro-Roh factions did not vote for candidate Chung Dong-young. It is true that some people thought it was better for Lee Myung-bak to win than Chung Dong-young," arguing, "Lee Myung-bak won by an overwhelming margin, and as a result, a tragic situation occurred where President Roh Moo-hyun passed away due to thorough prosecutorial retaliation." This was interpreted as emphasizing that regardless of who wins the presidential primary, it is most important for the Democratic Party to unite and achieve regime continuation.

However, Song's remarks sparked backlash within the ruling party. Former Prime Minister and Democratic Party presidential candidate Chung Sye-kyun pointed out in a Facebook post that day, "Song Young-gil, the party leader, used the term 'Daekkæmun,' which is misused in public settings to disparage party supporters."

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