Democratic Party Visits Korea Senior Citizens Association to Apologize... Kim Eun-kyung Absent

The Democratic Party of Korea apologized to the Korea Senior Citizens Association regarding Innovation Committee Chair Kim Eun-kyung's 'elderly disparagement' remarks.

On the afternoon of the 2nd, Representative Yang Yi-won-young, who was embroiled in the same controversy while defending Chair Kim, visited the Korea Senior Citizens Association in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, along with Representative Han Byung-do, the party's Strategic Planning Committee Chair.

On the 2nd, at the Yongsan Korea Senior Citizens Association Central Office, Chairman Kim Ho-il is meeting with Yang Yi-won-young, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, who visited to apologize regarding the controversy over 'elderly disparagement.'
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier that morning, the Korea Senior Citizens Association issued a statement demanding an apology from Chair Kim, Representative Yang who defended Kim's remarks, and Party Leader Lee Jae-myung through their visit.

Representative Yang said, "I apologize for using expressions that caused misunderstandings. I am sorry for causing concern." He also stated, "Everyone has one person, one vote democratic suffrage, and no one denies that. Neither Chair Kim nor I agree with that. We absolutely do not hold such thoughts."

Kim Ho-il, President of the Korea Senior Citizens Association, said, "The parliamentary election is next April, but these remarks are trying to ruin the party," adding, "If such remarks are made recklessly during an election, what will happen to that party?"

Representative Yang said, "While I may have used poor expressions, I feel wronged," and added, "The poverty rate among the elderly is very high, so strengthening welfare in this area is something our party also considers very important, and I am actively discussing it."

After the meeting, Representative Yang told reporters, "I can come several times, and I am very sorry," adding, "I will soon be elderly myself, so I am very sorry that my remarks appeared to be disparaging."

Chair Kim did not attend the 'Dialogue with Gangwon Province Residents' event held in Chuncheon at 7 p.m. that day. It is reported that President Kim demanded that Chair Kim come personally to apologize, even if late.

Meanwhile, Representative Lee Hae-sik, Deputy Secretary-General of the Party Organization and a member of the Innovation Committee, also visited the Korea Senior Citizens Association to convey the party's apology. Floor Leader Park Kwang-on is also scheduled to visit the Korea Senior Citizens Association on the 3rd to apologize.

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