Hwang Kyo-ik to Song Young-gil: "If you make Lee Nak-yeon apologize, I am willing to apologize too"

"Geumdo Was First Crossed by Lee Nak-yeon"

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

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Ju-hee] Hwang Kyo-ik, a food columnist nominated as president of the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, responded on the 18th to criticism from the ruling party over his statement that he would "focus on ending the political life of former Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon" by saying, "If (former leader Lee) apologizes to me, I am also willing to apologize."

On the same day, Hwang posted on his Facebook, addressing Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party, saying, "The boundary was first crossed by politicians of your party, Mr. Song," making the same point.

After paying respects at the grave of the late former President Kim Dae-jung at the National Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, Song told reporters regarding Hwang’s remarks, "I think this is an excessive statement that crosses the boundary," and added, "I hope the controversy will be resolved reasonably through the process."

In response, Hwang said, "I also know well that my remarks crossed the boundary. Saying I will end the political life of a prominent Democratic Party politician who even served as Prime Minister is definitely beyond the boundary," but added, "However, did I say that for no reason? That prominent politician threatened to end my professional life, so I had no choice but to respond that way."

Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea.
Photo by Yonhap News

Earlier, Shin Kyung-min, former Democratic Party lawmaker and standing vice chairman of Lee Nak-yeon’s campaign, appeared on CBS Radio’s 'Kim Hyun-jung’s News Show' on the 17th and criticized Hwang, who was nominated for the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization presidency and faced criticism for 'favoritism appointments' and 'lack of expertise,' saying, "Tourism in Gyeonggi-do has peace tourism as its primary core goal, but (Hwang’s) main work so far has been related to restaurants, which does not align."

Shin also claimed, "(Hwang) has highly praised Japanese food and often said that Korean food is a derivative," adding, "I think he is more suited for tourism organizations in Tokyo or Osaka, Japan."

In response to statements from former leader Lee’s side, Hwang immediately posted on Facebook to push back. He showed a heated reaction, saying, "I cannot remain silent against Lee Nak-yeon’s attack aimed at killing me. From today until just before the confirmation hearing, I will focus solely on ending Lee Nak-yeon’s political life."

In an interview with JTBC Newsroom on the 17th, Hwang said, "I am a candidate who has gone through a fair document and interview process to become president of the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization. Even if the president’s grandfather comes, I will not talk about giving up my rights," dismissing rumors of voluntary resignation.

Meanwhile, Lee Jae-myung, governor of Gyeonggi Province and the appointing authority for the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization president, dismissed the 'favoritism appointment' controversy regarding Hwang’s appointment as "completely untrue."

At the 4th TV debate of Democratic Party presidential candidates held that day, Governor Lee said, "Favoritism appointments are completely untrue. He is a distinguished food culture expert with his own expertise," and added, "I will decide after seeing the provincial council’s confirmation hearing and public opinion."

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