Commoners' Use of 'Hongeo Junpyo'... Opposition Candidates Condemn as "Honam Derogatory Remarks"

Hong Jun-pyo "Stop meddling in politics and study parasites"
Yoo Seung-min "Disparaging Honam is not a simple mistake but intentional regional hatred"
Seo Min "I have committed a grave sin"

A thumbnail of a video uploaded on the YouTube channel 'Seomin's Parasite TV' on the 31st of last month. / Photo by YouTube capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] Criticism is mounting from the opposition camp that Professor Seomin from Dankook University, a supporter of former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, insulted both Yoon’s candidacy and the Honam region by likening Assemblyman Hong Joon-pyo to 'Hong-eo Jun-pyo' (a pun on a type of fermented skate fish).

Earlier, on the 31st of last month, Professor Seomin posted a promotional video for former Prosecutor General Yoon on his YouTube channel 'Seomin’s Parasite TV,' using the thumbnail caption "Chewing up 'Hong-eo Jun-pyo' for Yoon Seok-yeol."

In response, Yeomyeong, spokesperson for Assemblyman Hong’s camp, issued a statement referencing Yoon’s controversial remarks defending former dictator Chun Doo-hwan and his 'dog apology' on social media, saying, "While the public shock has not yet subsided, that camp has again produced a slanderous remark belittling Honam," and added, "It is defamation against candidate Hong and a clear insult to the people of Jeolla Province."

They further pointed out, "Professor Seomin made slanderous remarks against candidate Hong and inflicted wounds on the Honam people again to rally Yoon’s supporters."

Assemblyman Hong also met with reporters on the 3rd and said, "It is embarrassing that such a person is called a professor. Isn’t this person lacking the basic qualifications of a professor?" Earlier, on his own social media, he raised his voice toward Professor Seomin, saying, "Stop trying to meddle in politics and just study parasites."

Former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min and former Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong.
Photo by Yonhap News

Meanwhile, former Assemblyman Yoo Seung-min and Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong, both candidates in the People Power Party’s presidential primary, continued their criticism of former Prosecutor General Yoon and his supporter Professor Seomin.

On the 3rd, former Assemblyman Yoo criticized Yoon, saying, "The candidate’s own reckless remarks and the camp’s continuous belittling of Honam are no longer simple mistakes but intentional regional hatred, aren’t they?"

He added, "They have crossed the line too far. Where did they learn this outdated politics that stirs regional animosity?" and questioned, "Do they even know how sincerely our party has worked to apologize to Honam and win their hearts?"

He continued, "Such acts that repeatedly nullify those efforts are exactly the problematic behavior," and pointed out, "It is self-contradictory that former Chairman Kim Jong-in, who knelt and apologized at the May 18th cemetery, supports such a candidate."

Governor Won also visited the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery in Unjeong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju on the 3rd to pay respects and told reporters, "Recently, candidates within the party and many others have revealed limitations in their historical awareness during discussions about history and the primary process."

He said, "Contrary to promises made to the citizens of Gwangju, inappropriate remarks were made during the process of seeking support," and added, "I have resolved that this must be corrected."

Meanwhile, as the controversial expression sparked debate, Professor Seomin issued an apology titled 'I am quitting Parasite TV' on the 2nd, stating, "I thought I should not act rashly during the election season and had been refraining from writing often, but that was not enough," and apologized, saying, "I have committed a grave sin."

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