Lee Jae-myung on 'KAIST Forced Eviction': "Isn't This the Revival of Baekgoldan?"

KAIST Graduate Dragged Out for Criticizing Yoon
"Are the Tear Gas-Carrying Baekgoldan Returning?"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, sharply criticized the incident where a graduate was forcibly removed at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) graduation ceremony attended by President Yoon Suk-yeol, calling it a 'revival of the Baekgoltan.'

On the morning of the 19th at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly, Lee said, "When I was in college, the so-called Baekgoltan, who carried bags of apple grenades (a type of tear gas), were truly terrifying," and criticized, "I am worried that apple grenades and Baekgoltan are reappearing."

Democratic Party of Korea leader Lee Jae-myung is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 19th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, on the 16th, at the KAIST degree conferment ceremony attended by President Yoon, a graduate who was criticizing the government's research and development (R&D) budget cuts was dragged out with his mouth covered by security personnel. The graduate was confirmed to be Shin Min-ki, spokesperson for the Daejeon branch of the Green Justice Party.

Lee stated, "If we hand over even the legislative power, which can be called the last bastion in this election, into their hands, I fear that justice and common sense will all collapse, and we will truly return to an absolute monarchy," adding, "The economic collapse will continue, and the mouths and ears of the people will also be covered."

Previously, Kang Sung-hee, a lawmaker from the Progressive Party, was also forcibly removed by being lifted by all four limbs after shouting at President Yoon during the Jeonbuk Special Autonomous Province inauguration ceremony on the 18th of last month, demanding a change in the national policy direction. As similar situations repeat, criticism of 'excessive security' has also been raised. However, the People Power Party maintains the position that it was a 'pre-planned disruptive operation.' On the same day, Yoon Jae-ok, floor leader of the party, pointed out at the Emergency Response Committee meeting, "They are spreading absurd political attacks comparing the Yoon Suk-yeol government to past dictatorial regimes," and said, "This was a pre-planned attempt to ruin the president's attendance event for political purposes."

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