Yoon Seok-yeol on 'Myeolgong' Challenge Controversy... "I Have Never Used the Hashtag on SNS"

Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, is answering questions from reporters after holding a New Year's press conference titled 'Sincerity, Change, Responsibility' at Halabeoji Factory Cafe in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 11th. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, recently addressed the controversy surrounding the 'Myeolgong' challenge, stating, "I have never used hashtags (#) or anything like that."

On the 11th, during a New Year's press conference held at the Grandfather Factory Cafe in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, Yoon responded to the question, "Was there absolutely no political intention behind the Myeolgong controversy?" with this statement.

When asked, "You said you have never used hashtags, but who planned the posting of photos on SNS showing you buying anchovies and beans?" he avoided a direct answer by saying, "I am not a political consultant."

He added, "The way to conduct an election campaign is to faithfully explain to the people the justification for regime change and what can be done when a new government is launched."

Earlier, on the 8th, Yoon appeared to participate in the 'Myeolgong' challenge initiated by Chung Yong-jin, Vice Chairman of Shinsegae Group, by purchasing anchovies and bean sprouts at E-Mart.

Regarding this matter, Yoon reiterated the importance of 'freedom of expression' and criticized the previous government for pushing the Media Arbitration Act. He stated, "I think there is a serious problem with the government's attitude towards the Media Arbitration Act and new media."

Meanwhile, Yoon explained the day before about the 'Myeolgong' controversy, saying, "I just went to a nearby mart to buy necessary items," and added, "I often buy anchovies because I make anchovy broth and eat it a lot. I also frequently buy beans because I prepare things like soybean soup in the morning."

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