Controversy over 'Condolence Cancellation,' Kim Ki-hyun Says "Opposition Keeps Stirring 'Saengttaetang'... Absurd Argument"

"Joseon Dynasty Yesong Dispute... British Ambassador Also Says 'Sufficient Condolences'" Rebuttal

Kim Ki-hyun, a member of the People Power Party, is giving a greeting at the "Media, Reform for the Future" Grand Debate held at the National Assembly on the 21st. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Kim Ki-hyun, a member of the People Power Party, responded to the opposition party's criticism of President Yoon Seok-yeol's changed condolence schedule for the late Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom by saying, "The Democratic Party is continuing to make a fuss," calling it an excessive attack.

On the 22nd, Kim said on YTN Radio's "News King Park Ji-hoon" program, "The chief mourner requested the condolence, so the condolence was made, but to hear people say it was wrong is such a tantrum that I wonder if anyone can throw a tantrum like this."

President Yoon was scheduled to pay respects to the Queen's coffin and sign the condolence book upon his arrival in London on the 18th (local time), but the schedule was postponed by a day due to local traffic conditions, sparking controversy over the 'cancellation of condolence.' The president signed the condolence book after the Queen's funeral on the 19th. The presidential office explained that the condolence schedule was changed at the request of the British royal family.

Regarding this, Kim pointed out, "Even the British ambassador in Korea said it was a 'sufficient condolence' and that attending the funeral is the core of condolence. The chief mourner said it was appropriate, but to say that Korea was disrespectful is utterly absurd."

He continued, "There was a similar incident in the Joseon Dynasty. They argued over whether to wear mourning clothes for one year or three years, not realizing the country was collapsing, engaging in a ridiculous Yesong debate. This is a ridiculous argument," and added, "I really doubt whether the Democratic Party will remain the perennial opposition party, given the fuss they are making over something so trivial."

Kim strongly criticized, "Even (President Yoon) signing the condolence book on the left side became an issue for the Democratic Party. Also, (First Lady Kim Keon-hee) wearing a veil was criticized. These are absurd disputes raised by pathetic people."

He then said, "Seeing that, it seems they are trying hard to build their reputation to get nominated for the next general election, but I hope they would worry about people's livelihoods instead of wasting time on that."

Meanwhile, Colin Crooks, the British Ambassador to Korea, appeared on SBS's "Joo Young-jin's News Briefing" on the 20th and said about the controversy, "The funeral can be considered the core event of condolence. The president met the new king and attended the state funeral. That is what condolence means."

However, the Democratic Party did not withdraw its criticism of the presidential office, saying, "The problem was the lack of preparation considering the congested local traffic conditions."

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