"Why the Interviewer Tried to Steal the Spotlight... Uncomfortable to Watch Throughout," Criticism by Seomin and Jin Joong-kwon

Seomin Criticizes 'Violence in People Power Presidential Candidate Interviews' on Blog
"Felt Uncomfortable Watching," Sharp Criticism Toward Jin Joong-kwon, Co-Author of Cho Kuk Black Book
Ends with "Did We Criticize Only Former Professor Jin Too Much?", "Hope for Security Review"

On the 9th, interviewers participating in the People Power Party presidential primary candidate 'National Signal Interview' held at Jeul Studio in Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, are having a conversation. From the right, Kim Jun-il, CEO of Newstope, Jin Joong-kwon, former professor at Dongyang University, and Park Sun-young, professor at Dongguk University. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim So-young] Professor Seo Min of Dankook University criticized former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon, co-author of 'The Black Book of Cho Kuk' and an interviewer for the People Power Party's presidential primary candidate 'People's Signal Interview,' saying, "Why did the interviewer try to become the main character on a stage where each candidate should be the protagonist?"

On the 12th, Professor Seo posted an article titled "The Violence of the People Power Party Presidential Candidate Interview" on his blog, pointing out, "He criticized the candidates' policies based on his leftist standards."

He shared the news that he would participate as a panelist in the People Power Party-hosted 'All Day Live Broadcast' held that day, saying, "I watched all the Signal Interviews conducted last week (to prepare for the broadcast)" and added, "At first, I was surprised, and later, I became angry."

He continued, "During this time, interviewers should help candidates explain their policies well and ask questions about unclear parts so that the public can judge who is a good presidential candidate," but "the interviewers present did not seem to have that intention," he criticized.

He added, "Why should candidates from a right-wing party be judged by leftist standards?" and said, "The purpose of the interview disappeared, and it turned into a confrontational debate atmosphere where candidates felt they must not lose. Watching the broadcast, I understood why candidate Hong Joon-pyo got angry during the interview, asking why leftists were chosen."

Professor Seo then listed uncomfortable points from questions the three interviewers asked the candidates. First, he said, "Candidate Jang Ki-pyo, the main culprit who caused the formation of labor unions, said 'the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions exploits workers' wages,' so he should have understood how rotten the KCTU is," adding, "Former Professor Jin also tried to assert his opinion on this topic. Even though a delivery union-related franchise owner recently committed suicide, it seems that former Professor Jin still views unions as good."

Professor Seo Min from Dankook University appeared as a witness at the confirmation hearing for Kim Oh-soo, the then nominee for Prosecutor General, held by the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee on the afternoon of May 26. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Next, he pointed out, "Former Professor Jin seems to think public healthcare is always good and criticizes candidate Hong Joon-pyo's 2013 decision to close Jinju Medical Center," adding, "In Korea, all hospital prices are controlled by the National Health Insurance, so in principle, there is no difference in medical costs between public and private sectors. Yet, he talks as if the absence of Jinju Medical Center caused the COVID-19 spread, which by now is more of a debate between candidates than an interview."

Regarding the comment directed at candidate Yoo Seung-min that "he was stabbed in the back because he pledged to abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family," he questioned, "Why is it important that he betrayed you when you didn't even ask why he pledged to abolish the Ministry?"

Professor Seo acknowledged, "Of course, I recognize that the three interviewers prepared hard for their questions. The sharpness of the three probably contributed to good viewership," but he sharply criticized, "However, I am not sure if this kind of interview is really necessary."

He added, "Since it is a conservative party, having two conservatives and one leftist might be understandable, but with two hardcore leftists and one person with unclear identity, it was uncomfortable not only for the candidates but also for me throughout."

He concluded, "The interview I participate in aims to be criticized but not to make candidates uncomfortable," and said, "Did I criticize former Professor Jin too much? I hope you don't watch it."

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