Kim Jong-min: "Hwang Kyo-ik Controversy Distorts Entire Primary Race... Lee Jae-myung Needs to Settle It"

Controversy over Hwang Kyo-ik, Lee Jae-myung's side needs to organize well
20 Pro-Moon lawmakers who proposed 'final debate' are critical of 'basic income' for solving polarization issues
'Anti-Lee Jae-myung front' is an unfair expression... 'Anti-basic income' is correct

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Kim Jong-min, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, argued that Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, should step in to resolve the 'Hwang Gyo-ik controversy.' Regarding the so-called 20 pro-Moon faction lawmakers within the Democratic Party proposing a 'final debate' to the presidential primary candidates, he emphasized, "Basically, I am critical of trying to solve polarization issues through basic income," and added, "They should actively participate in the debate."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the morning of the 19th, Kim said on KBS Radio's 'Choi Kyung-young's Strong Current Affairs,' "(Mr. Hwang Gyo-ik) is either a supporter or someone recommended by Lee Jae-myung's side," and added, "Lee's side needs to properly handle this."

Earlier, some criticized the news that food columnist Hwang was appointed as president of the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization as a 'favoritism appointment.' Former party leader Lee Nak-yeon’s side also criticized Hwang, saying he usually praised Japanese cuisine while belittling Korean food, calling him "someone more suited for the Tokyo or Osaka Tourism Organization." In response, Hwang made harsh remarks the previous day, including "I will end Lee's political life," sparking controversy.

Kim pointed out, "I think it was wrong to attack in that manner or to accuse him of being pro-Japanese." He said, "Also, making statements like 'I will end someone's political life'?if it were posted personally on Facebook or something, that might be different, but he has become a public newsmaker. He is perceived as a person related to Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party's candidate," and emphasized, "But such remarks completely distort the entire primary race, so Lee's side needs to properly manage this."

Regarding Lee’s basic income policy, Kim also said, "I am critical of solving polarization issues through basic income."

Referring to the statement issued on the 16th by 20 so-called pro-Moon lawmakers, including himself, proposing a 'basic income final debate' on the Democratic Party primary, Kim said, "Democratic Party candidates are making various statements about solving polarization issues, broadly divided between those advocating for a welfare state and those supporting basic income as a solution," and added, "However, many of our lawmakers have concerns about basic income."

He said, "Some think that if Lee Jae-myung is elected, basic income will effectively become the party's official stance," and added, "The policy of basic income requires a more intense debate."

Kim explained, "It costs about 60 trillion won per year," and said, "If you gather a 60 trillion won budget, there will be ongoing debates throughout the term about why the budget decreased afterward and which projects should be prioritized. Therefore, we are fundamentally critical of this issue."

When asked by the host if all 20 lawmakers share this view, he replied, "Yes," and said, "Because we are critical, we raised this issue and suggested having a debate. If we supported it or were neutral, there would be no need for a fierce debate."

However, he requested a correction regarding the expression '20 lawmakers in the anti-Lee Jae-myung camp.' Kim said, "That is an unfair expression," and added, "We do not attack or criticize the entire person." He continued, "We should focus on saying we oppose basic income or that basic income is problematic. That alone is enough for debate." When the host suggested, "Should we say 'anti-basic income' then?" Kim answered, "Yes."

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