Jo Jung-hoon: "Min Kyung-woo Should Apologize for 'Elderly Remarks'... Resignation, Not So Sure"

Jo Jeong-hoon, a member of the People Power Party, stated regarding the controversy over Min Kyung-woo, head of the Min Kyung-woo Mathematics Research Institute, who was appointed as an emergency response committee member and accused of 'elderly disparagement,' that "he should personally visit the Korea Senior Citizens Association and apologize a hundred or a thousand times."

On the 29th, Jo appeared on SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show' and said, "He should apologize profusely and continue until the feelings of those people are eased." However, he added, "It is not yet to the extent of considering resignation..." indicating that resignation is not currently being considered.

Assemblyman Jo Jung-hoon of the People Power Party. / Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

He explained, "If he has to apologize and resign just for one statement, then I probably wouldn't be able to do anything either," and added, "If he had said, 'So what if I said that? Isn't it something that can be said?' then resignation could be considered, but he apologized immediately on the broadcast."

Min, who was appointed as an emergency response committee member of the People Power Party, attended a talk concert last October and said, "The greatest tragedy right now is that elderly people live too long. They should pass away quickly."

Min apologized for this remark, saying, "I am sorry." After the announcement of the People Power Party's emergency response committee appointments the day before, when his remarks became controversial, he released a statement through the party saying, "It was a mistake made in the process of emphasizing the social role of the younger generation," and "I had no intention of disparaging the elderly, and I sincerely apologize once again for the careless expression."

Kim Ho-il, president of the Korea Senior Citizens Association, issued a statement the day before urging, "Immediately dismiss Min Kyung-woo and have Han Dong-hoon, the emergency response committee chairman, apologize."