Yeo Kang-byeongwon: "'Excessive protocol' suspicion, poorly handled explanations have exacerbated the situation"

"Serious Apology Needed from the People's Perspective"
"No More Absurd Excuses, Please"

Kang Byung-won, Supreme Council Member of the Democratic Party of Korea. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Kang Byung-won, Supreme Council Member of the Democratic Party of Korea, said regarding the allegations of "excessive protocol" involving the family of presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung, "I believe it is necessary to sincerely explain the situation to the public and offer an apology."

On the 8th, Kang appeared on KBS Radio's "Choi Kyung-young's Strong Current Affairs" and stated, "In matters like this, it is important to remain calm and composed and view things from the public’s perspective," adding, "Currently, the campaign committee and those around it seem to be making clumsy explanations that do not align with the public’s viewpoint whenever media reports emerge, which appears to be exacerbating the situation."

He explained, "It is true that the issue has arisen with less than a month left until the presidential election, which is quite embarrassing," and "The candidate has repeatedly apologized. He said he would 'carefully consider and act regarding even those around his family' and expressed 'deep regret to the people of the nation.'"

However, he added, "I think it is necessary to organize and calmly have the candidate or his spouse sincerely apologize all at once," and "I hope no more inappropriate explanations come out. Apart from saying 'I am sorry,' I hope unnecessary responses are refrained from for the time being."

Kang also addressed the recent incident where some Democratic Party figures posted statements on their personal social media warning the media reporting allegations against the candidate’s spouse, Kim Hye-kyung, which were later revealed to be false and hastily deleted. He said, "I was quite surprised. I wondered if the campaign committee’s public relations team had posted it," adding, "judging by the content and expression, it was excessive, and sure enough, it turned out to be false and was revealed as a misunderstanding."

He continued, "At times like this, it is necessary to be more calm and composed and gather what needs to be said based on facts," and "trying to make clumsy explanations can actually worsen the situation. Since the candidate and his spouse have already apologized, we need to take some time and observe the situation."

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