Presidential Office Chief Appears on 'Far-Right YouTube'? Park Minyoung Says "Presidential Office Must Wake Up"

Chief Kang refutes 'diplomatic neglect' criticism on YouTube broadcast
Appeared last month to explain 'private recruitment' controversy
Criticism from some ruling party supporters... Park Minyoung "Presidential Office must wake up"

Kang Seung-gyu, Senior Secretary for Civil Society at the Presidential Office. [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Yoonjin Kim] Kang Seung-gyu, Senior Secretary for Civil Society at the Presidential Office, appeared on a YouTube channel and explained the controversy over the U.S. House Speaker's 'diplomatic snub.' However, criticism has arisen not only from opposition parties but also from some ruling party supporters.

On the 4th, in a phone interview with the YouTube channel 'Lee Bong-gyu TV,' Kang refuted the criticism that President Yoon did not hold a face-to-face meeting with U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who visited Korea, allegedly out of concern for Chinese public opinion, calling it a "groundless speculation."

Kang said, "President Yoon Seok-yeol had a scheduled vacation, so when Speaker Pelosi inquired about a meeting, understanding had already been reached. It was a matter settled protocol-wise by both sides," adding, "Claims that they deliberately avoided meeting or that it was due to watching China's eyes are groundless speculations aimed at criticizing the stability of diplomatic policy."

The YouTube channel 'Lee Bong-gyu TV,' where Kang conducted the interview, has about 760,000 subscribers and is considered a far-right-leaning channel.

The channel operator, Lee Bong-gyu, has previously stirred controversy by raising allegations such as inciting terrorism against Go Min-jung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea. On the 28th of last month, when the Supreme Court dismissed the invalidation lawsuit of the 21st National Assembly general election, he criticized the Central Election Commission as an "omnipotent institution," claiming that suspicions of election fraud had not been dispelled.

This was not Kang's first appearance on the channel. While serving as the head of organizational reinforcement for the People Power Party's election headquarters, Kang appeared twice in February, and on the 20th of last month, he appeared as a senior secretary at the Presidential Office.

At that time, Kang denied allegations of "private recruitment at the Presidential Office," stating, "You must be aware that there are forces attacking by framing untrue parts. Please properly understand the frame and support and encourage the national administration."

Meanwhile, Ahn Cheol-soo, a member of the People Power Party, also appeared on 'Lee Bong-gyu TV' ahead of the April 7th Seoul mayoral by-election last year, which sparked controversy. At that time, Ahn, who was the People's Party candidate for Seoul mayor, said, "There has never been an election as poorly managed as the last general election. The poor management of ballots alone warrants an investigation," drawing criticism from some quarters for seemingly endorsing election fraud suspicions. The video has since been removed from the channel.

Regarding Kang's YouTube appearance, conservative online communities and the People Power Party website expressed critical opinions such as, "He must be really desperate. Is he trying to hold on even to far-right supporters?" and "He blatantly seeks only sycophants."

Park Min-young, a spokesperson for the People Power Party, who has been in the spotlight for her candid criticism of the government and ruling party, responded on her Facebook on the 5th when a supporter shared Kang's YouTube appearance, saying, "The Presidential Office needs to wake up," showing a critical stance. When asked if there was anything party members could do, Park said, "I will find a way to offer advice. Even if it is difficult at first, I will try to ensure improvement as much as possible."

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