'Hwang Gyo-ik Controversy' Escalates... Ruling Party Draws Line Saying "Crossed the Line"

Hwang Kyo-ik Raises the Tone of His Counterattack Remarks
Jung Se-kyun and Park Yong-jin Say "Lee Jae-myung Must Take Responsibility"... Song Young-gil Also Says "Crossed the Line"

Mr. Hwang Kyo-ik, a food columnist appointed as the president of the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization.
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] Food columnist Hwang Kyo-ik (59) unleashed remarks such as "I will end your political life" on the 18th in response to the call from former leader Lee Nak-yeon’s camp to withdraw his appointment as president of the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, prompting presidential candidates from the Democratic Party of Korea to express concern over the excessive nature of his comments.

Earlier, Shin Kyung-min, former lawmaker and standing vice chairman of Lee Nak-yeon’s campaign, said on CBS Radio on the 17th, "(Hwang) highly praises Japanese food and often says Korean food is a mere copy or derivative," adding, "With such perceptions, I doubt whether he can lead any tourism organization, especially the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization."

He further remarked, "I think he might be more suitable for the Tokyo or Osaka tourism organizations in Japan."

In response, Hwang posted on his social media on the 18th, "I was very angry all day yesterday because of former leader Lee’s 'pro-Japanese frame.' I interpreted it as Lee sending me a sign saying 'I will kill you,'" and added, "From today until just before the confirmation hearing, I will focus solely on ending Lee Nak-yeon’s political life."

In another post, he said, "I also revealed photos of Korean politicians wearing tailcoats, and Lee Nak-yeon suits it best," raising his voice, "He would be perfect as a pro-Japan prime minister."

Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is answering reporters' questions after paying respects at the late President Kim Dae-jung's grave site in the National Seoul Memorial Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 18th, the 12th anniversary of Kim's passing.
Photo by Yonhap News

As Hwang continued to make extreme remarks that are hard to see as those of a public office candidate, even members of the ruling party voiced criticism.

Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party, after paying respects at the late President Kim Dae-jung’s tomb at the National Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul on the 18th, responded to reporters saying "Hwang Kyo-ik also said he would bring down a specific candidate," by strongly criticizing, "I think Hwang’s remarks are excessive and beyond the bounds."

Hwang countered on Facebook, "Leader Song, I am well aware that my remarks crossed the bounds," but added, "The bounds were first crossed by politicians of Leader Song’s party. If I am asked to apologize, I am willing to apologize as well."

Lawmaker Park Yong-jin stated on Facebook on the 18th, "Governor Lee should withdraw Hwang’s appointment and take responsibility. That is the proper course." He continued, "Hwang is escalating conflict by using chilling expressions such as 'I will end Lee Nak-yeon’s political life.' If this is left as is and the appointment is pushed through, ultimately all these controversies and conflicts will fall on Governor Lee’s responsibility."

Former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun also argued that Governor Lee should withdraw the appointment. He pointed out, "The abusive remarks like 'not a human but a beast' and 'focusing on ending political life' disgrace the appointing authority," adding, "Governor Lee should not be stubborn and must withdraw the appointment of the president of the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization."

Lawmaker Yoon Gun-young also wrote on Facebook, "During the presidential candidate primary phase, various talks about the appointment of the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization president suddenly surfaced. It was an unpleasant controversy from the start," and expressed concern, "The remarks are too sharp. I worry this will become a wound that won’t heal."

Governor Lee Jae-myung of Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Yonhap News

Meanwhile, Governor Lee’s camp is currently defending Hwang while considering how to respond.

On the 17th, during the 4th TV debate of the main primary, Governor Lee explained, "The appointment is not a reward at all. Hwang is a distinguished food culture expert with his own expertise," and added, "We will decide after the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly confirmation hearing and public opinion."

A source from Governor Lee’s camp said, "In a recent video conference, we heard various opinions from lawmakers regarding Hwang," and added, "There are divided opinions?some want to wait until the confirmation hearing scheduled for the 30th at the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly, as per Governor Lee’s position, while others think his status should be decided sooner."

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