"I Can't Even Beat Him Up" "I'll Put Them in Jail as President"... Politics Overrun by Harsh Rhetoric

"I Will Tear It Apart" and "I Will Dismiss You":
Harsh Rhetoric Dominates Political Arena
"Everyone Is Trying to Stand Out Like Trump... Only the People Suffer"

Gyeonggi Governor Lee Jae-myung (left), People Power Party lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo. Photo by National Assembly Press Corps, Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy, Kang Juhee] As the presidential election approaches next year, the political arena has recently been filled with increasingly harsh rhetoric and offensive remarks directed at opponents. The preliminary presidential candidates from both the ruling and opposition parties have not hesitated to attack and insult one another, using intimidating language such as "I will dismiss you" or "I will put you in jail," which is leading to growing fatigue among citizens observing these exchanges.

Lee Jaemyung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province and a preliminary presidential candidate from the Democratic Party, has been fiercely attacking the opposition, which has been holding him accountable for the alleged corruption surrounding the Daejang-dong development project in Bundang-gu, Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province.

At a forum on the development profit recovery system held at the Central Veterans Hall in Yeouido, Seoul, on September 29, Lee specifically targeted Lee Junseok, leader of the People Power Party, who had labeled the Daejang-dong scandal as the "Lee Jaemyung Gate." Lee declared, "I will hold him accountable for deceiving the public and have him dismissed from office and barred from government service," referencing the historical term "Bonggopajik," which means to dismiss a corrupt official and seal the government office.

Lee also criticized Kim Giheon, the floor leader, saying, "Kim lied to the public by claiming that I am the mastermind," and added, "Since that constitutes a criminal act against me, in addition to dismissal, I will have him exiled to the South Pole," referencing "Wirianchi," a term meaning to banish a criminal.

The People Power Party did not remain silent. On the same day, party leader Lee Junseok responded on Facebook, "It is well known that Lee Jaemyung uses harsh language, but I will only respond according to the principle of proportionality. I will tear off Lee Jaemyung’s ugly mask." Kim Giheon, the floor leader, also criticized, "It is chilling to witness this festival of offensive remarks, as if he were a tyrant, saying whatever comes to mind. Before mocking others, he should reflect on his own character and values."

Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seokyoul, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party. Photo by Yonhap News

Hong Joonpyo, a lawmaker and preliminary presidential candidate from the People Power Party, has also sparked controversy several times recently with highly provocative remarks. Regarding the Daejang-dong scandal, Hong stated, "If I become president, I will put Lee Jaemyung in jail. It's simple," and added, "Everyone involved, regardless of party affiliation, are like leeches and should all be put in jail."

Furthermore, when his rival Ha Taekyung asked him a series of sharp questions during a preliminary candidate TV debate, Hong responded with insults such as, "That guy split our party back then and told us to disband. He was ranting and raving," and "Debates are supposed to be enjoyable, but being subjected to such nonsense makes my head feel blocked. I can't even beat him up for real."

When Ha Taekyung pointed out during the sixth TV debate on October 5 that "it seems your habit of making offensive remarks has returned," Hong refused to apologize, saying, "I never specifically singled out candidate Ha Taekyung."

Similar remarks were made by former Prosecutor General Yoon Seokyoul. On September 27, Yoon posted on Facebook, targeting Lee Jaemyung, "If I become president, there will be no more incidents like Daejang-dong, and the real owner of Hwacheon Daeyu will go to prison," adding, "I am running for president to eradicate such corruption, irrationality, injustice, and unfairness."

Some critics argue that, rather than engaging in substantive discussions on political issues, politicians across the spectrum are solely focused on attacking their opponents. In particular, there is criticism that leading presidential candidates making statements such as "I will put you in jail" or "I will dismiss you," implying they can neutralize others through their power, reflects the image of an "imperial presidency."

Experts warn that "politics of offensive remarks" without policies or visions for the future ultimately harms the people. Lee Junhan, a professor of political science and international relations at Incheon National University, said, "Politicians making offensive remarks and statements that go against public sentiment is nothing new, but it has become more extreme in this presidential election." He added, "As candidates without political experience enter the race, everyone is focused solely on making their presence felt, just as former U.S. President Donald Trump did." He continued, "When there is a problem, it should be handled according to legal procedures. Speaking as if one were a monarch shows a lack of proper understanding of the presidency in a democratic country."

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