Geum Tae-seop: "It is not appropriate to attack due to personal issues of family members"

"As a politician, I always feel apologetic about this situation"

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, is apologizing on the 16th after the launch ceremony of the Social Transition Committee held at the central party office in Yeouido, Seoul, regarding reports alleging that his son was involved in illegal gambling.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] Geum Taeseop, Head of Strategic Planning at the People Power Party's Election Countermeasures Committee, expressed the view that "attacking an opposing candidate based on personal issues of their family members is not desirable" regarding allegations of illegal gambling involving the eldest son of Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate.

On the 16th, Geum wrote on his Facebook, "As I am in charge of strategic work at the election camp, I am cautious but would like to share my personal thoughts on this important matter. These are my thoughts unrelated to the camp," stating this position.

He said, "This morning, an article was reported concerning the family issues of Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung. It is natural for the media to take an interest in the family and surroundings of a presidential candidate," adding, "There are many cases where the candidate's explanation or statement is necessary."

He continued, "However, in my opinion, attacking an opposing candidate based on personal issues of family members who are not involved is not desirable," and diagnosed, "A significant reason why the public is disillusioned with politics is that the political sphere neglects truly important tasks and instead engages in vulgar disputes over personal matters of the opponent's family."

He also said, "As a politician, I always feel apologetic about such situations," and added, "Throughout my political career, including during the confirmation hearings of former Minister Cho Kuk, I have tried not to criticize or attack family issues that the person concerned is not directly or indirectly involved in."

Geum emphasized, "I will continue to uphold this principle and strongly voice such opinions within the organization I belong to," and "I will strive to improve our political culture even a little. This promise naturally applies to this election as well."

Meanwhile, candidate Lee apologized through a statement on the same day, saying, "As a father, I bow my head and apologize together with my son to those who were disappointed by my son's disgraceful behavior," and "I will ensure that such an incident does not happen again. He will also receive treatment."

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