Concerns Over 'Myeolgong Controversy', Yoon Seok-yeol Says "Everyone Has Freedom of Expression"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] As the controversy over 'Myeolgong (eradication of communist forces)' continues in the political sphere, Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, who joined the debate, dismissed concerns by mentioning 'freedom of expression.'

On the 10th, after the launch ceremony of the People Power Party's election campaign committee in Incheon, Yoon told reporters regarding the 'Myeolgong controversy,' "I just went to a nearby mart and bought the necessary items," adding with a smile, "I often buy anchovies because I make anchovy broth a lot, and I also buy a lot of soybeans because I often make soybean soup in the morning."

When asked about concerns that recent policy issues might be overshadowed by ideological messages emerging from the Myeolgong controversy, he said, "As long as each person does not violate our constitutional order of liberal democracy, everyone has the freedom of expression," and added, "Whether this freedom is well respected or not can be a basis to judge whether this country is truly founded on freedom and democracy."

Jung Yong-jin, Vice Chairman of Shinsegae, sparked controversy after posting on social media on the 6th a screenshot of an article criticizing the government's North Korea policy titled 'Korea cannot even protest against the arrogant China,' along with hashtags such as 'Myeolgong,' 'Seunggong Tongil (Victory over Communism and Unification),' and 'Bangong Bangcheop (Anti-Communist Counterintelligence).'

In response, on the 8th, Yoon posted a photo of himself shopping at a large mart with hashtags including 'egg,' 'green onion,' 'anchovy,' and 'soybean,' which also became a topic of discussion. Some speculated that Yoon was indirectly supporting Vice Chairman Jung.

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