Yoon Seok-yeol Camp: Female Scholar Claiming Feminist Labels Korean Men as 'Hannamchung'

"'Hannamchung' Mentioned in Paper Sparks Social Controversy"
"Yoon's Remark Means Feminism Is Politically Exploited"

Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, is delivering a greeting on the afternoon of the 3rd at the Eunpyeong-gap Party Member Council in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Regarding former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, a leading opposition presidential candidate, stating that "feminism is being abused to prevent relationships between men and women," Yoon's campaign clarified that it is "close to gender hatred disguised as feminism."

Shin Ji-ho, former member of the National Assembly and political affairs director of Yoon's campaign, said in an interview with YTN's 'The News' on the 3rd, "A female scholar who claims to be a feminist described Korean men as 'hannamchung' (a derogatory term for Korean men)."

He continued, "A female scholar who claims to be a feminist wrote in a paper that Korean men are 'hannamchung' who cannot control their sexual impulses, that underage boys are 'hannam larvae,' and treated them as potential sex offenders," adding, "That paper caused a huge social uproar a long time ago."

The female scholar mentioned by former lawmaker Shin is Professor Yoon Ji-sun of Sejong University. Previously, Professor Yoon sparked controversy over misandry by using expressions likening men to insect ecology such as 'hannam larvae,' 'gwan-eumchung' (voyeur insect), and 'hannamchung' in a paper titled 'The Developmental Biology of Voyeur Insects.'

Regarding this, former lawmaker Shin said, "Candidate Yoon's remarks are not saying that feminism in general is correlated with low birth rates," and explained, "It seems that some unhealthy feminism, which is politically abused, is even preventing healthy relationships between men and women."

Former Prime Minister Yoon is giving a lecture at the People Power Party's freshman study group "Myeongbulheojeon Conservative Season 5" held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the morning of the 2nd. / Photo by Yonhap News

Earlier, former Prosecutor General Yoon sparked controversy by mentioning that "feminism is one of the causes of low birth rates." The problematic remarks were made at the 'Myeongbulheojeon Conservative' meeting of first-term lawmakers of the People Power Party held at the National Assembly on the 2nd.

At the invited lecture, Yoon said, "Because women are physically weaker than men, they should be able to live in society without fear of violence or sexual assault," but added, "Feminism must be healthy and should not be abused to extend political power."

He also pointed out, "There are also claims that feminism is politically abused and emotionally blocks healthy relationships between men and women," and criticized, "Because the structural conditions to marry, have children, and raise them are so inadequate, a huge amount of taxes have been spent impulsively and reactively on things like IVF costs and childbirth incentives."

When asked, "Are you saying feminism prevents relationships between men and women?" he replied, "I mentioned it because there are people who make such claims."

The ruling party criticized former Prosecutor General Yoon's remarks as "promoting misogyny."

Jeong Se-gyun, former Prime Minister and presidential candidate of the Democratic Party, wrote on his Facebook, "Candidate Yoon is promoting misogyny," and condemned, "It is an outrageous remark that is hard to believe coming from someone who claims to be responsible for the country."

Another ruling party presidential candidate, Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, through spokesperson Jeon Yong-gi, issued a written statement saying, "If you don't know, it would be better to stay quiet. Instead, reduce media exposure and please finish your studies," and criticized, "The essence of the low birth rate problem is 'anxiety about the future.' It is truly deplorable that a presidential candidate who should propose fundamental solutions is instead engaging in reckless behavior."

Former Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae also posted on Facebook, saying, "It makes no sense. It's pathetic," and strongly criticized, "The idea that low birth rates are due to feminism is absurd, and linking feminism to extending political power is a ridiculous sophism."

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