Shin Dong-geun: "Kim Eun-kyung Should Be More Careful in Selecting and Using Words"

Kim Eun-kyung, the Innovation Committee Chair of the Democratic Party of Korea, made a remark at a roundtable discussion saying, "Why should people with a shorter future vote one-on-one?" which sparked controversy over 'elderly disparagement.' In response, Shin Dong-geun, a Democratic Party lawmaker, criticized her, saying she should be "more prudent."

On the 1st, Shin posted on his social media, "Even if the Innovation Committee is composed of external members, once it officially launches, they will no longer be external members but will hold powerful positions as internal political leadership. Therefore, great care and prudence must be exercised in the choice and use of words," he said.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, Chair Kim quoted a statement made by her 22-year-old child during a roundtable with youth, who said, "Voting should be proportional from one's own age to the remaining lifespan, and from the mother's age to the remaining lifespan." She expressed the opinion that "Isn't that quite reasonable?" She added, "In a democratic country, 'one person, one vote' is a practical difficulty but a correct principle," and questioned, "Why should people with a shorter future vote one-on-one?" which sparked the controversy over 'elderly disparagement.'

Shin said, "Since Chair Kim's appointment, controversies have been frequent. Following remarks disparaging first-term lawmakers, now there is controversy over disparaging the elderly. Regardless of intent, the frequency of such controversies is clearly a serious problem," and pointed out, "It is overwhelming enough to devote oneself to party innovation, but if the Innovation Committee Chair's risk of controversy causes anxiety, this is not normal."

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