Lee Sang-min's "I wish Kim Eo-jun would restrain himself," Hwang Kyo-ik hits back: "An archaic figure... a shameful matter"

Sangmin Lee "If Broadcasters Do What the Democratic Party Should Do, There Will Be Nothing Left for Us to Do"
Gyoik Hwang "No One Can Ask the People's Kim Eo-jun to Refrain from Political Remarks, Whatever They May Be"

Food columnist Hwang Kyo-ik, broadcaster Kim Eo-jun [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] Food columnist Hwang Kyo-ik fiercely criticized Lee Sang-min, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, who said he "would prefer if Kim Eo-jun, a broadcaster embroiled in controversy over 'political bias,' would exercise restraint."

Earlier, on the 3rd, Lee appeared on KBS Radio's 'Choi Kyung-young's Strongest Current Affairs' and stated, "I would prefer if (Kim) exercised restraint whenever possible," adding, "It would be good if helping him ultimately proves beneficial, but in my opinion, it probably won't be much help."

He continued, "We need to win over more of the moderate voters and gain absolute support from the people, but Kim is not that kind of person," and said, "If a broadcaster steps in to do what the Democratic Party should be doing, then there will be nothing left for us to do."

In response, Hwang posted on his Facebook the same day, emphasizing, "The Republic of Korea is a democratic republic. Citizens can make any political statements within the bounds permitted by law," and "Kim Eo-jun is included among those citizens."

He stated, "No matter how famous Kim Eo-jun is, he is also a citizen of the Republic of Korea," and "As a citizen, no matter what political statements Kim Eo-jun makes, politicians from a specific party cannot tell him to refrain from political speech just because it might interfere with their party's governance," sharply criticizing.

He added, "It is embarrassing that the Democratic Party of Korea, which claims to be progressive, harbors such a premodern attitude that only professional politicians can make political statements," condemning the stance.

Earlier, on the 22nd of last month, Kim said on his YouTube show 'Kim Eo-jun's Das Bweida,' which he hosts, "Candidate Lee has come this far on his own," and "It is difficult and lonely for someone to break through on their own without help from money, connections, or background."

He continued, "Very few people reach the level of presidential candidate by that path, and that is why Lee Jae-myung deserves to become a platform for our society," and "From now on, you all need to support him," effectively appealing for support for candidate Lee.

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