"Likes but not accepted" Controversy over Seoul City Council member from Democratic Party's remarks on 'Sindang Station Murder'

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Kwang-ho] On the 16th, Seoul City Council member Lee Sang-hoon of the Democratic Party of Korea sparked controversy by saying at the city council, regarding the 'Sindang Station clerk stalking murder case,' "He responded violently because his feelings were not reciprocated."

During the afternoon session of the Seoul City Council's temporary plenary meeting, while asking questions about city administration, Lee mentioned the Sindang Station murder case in the context of emphasizing the need to actively protect employees who handle civil complaints at Seoul City and various business offices.

He said, "It seems the male employee responded violently because he liked her but was rejected," adding, "(The perpetrator) is a 31-year-old young man. He is a Seoul citizen and must have worked hard in society and prepared for employment to join Seoul Metro."

He continued, "What would the feelings of the parents be, whether perpetrator or victim?" and said, "My son is enlisting in the military next week, and from a father's perspective, it must be an unbearable heartbreak."

Regarding Lee's remarks, internet communities and social media (SNS) responded with comments such as, "Would he say that even if it were his own daughter?" and "The empathy, judgment, and gender sensitivity of the Seoul city council member are deplorable."

As the controversy continued, Lee issued an apology, stating, "The Sindang Station incident was an event that should never have happened," and "I deeply apologize with a bowed head for causing deep wounds to the victim and bereaved families due to my careless remarks."

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