People Power Party to File Complaint Against Yoo Simin: "Remarks Insulted Kim Moonsoo and Seol Nanyeong Beyond Legitimate Scrutiny"

"Slandering the Candidate and Spouse Through Discriminatory Remarks"

The People Power Party announced on May 30 that it would file a complaint against writer Yoo Simin for his remarks that presidential candidate Kim Moonsoo's wife, Seol Nanyeong, was "out of her mind."

Writer Yoo Simin

Through a press release on the same day, the People Power Party stated, "Writer Yoo's comments go beyond the scope of criticism of Kim's policies or public interest scrutiny, and were made with the intent to ridicule and insult both the candidate and his spouse." The party added, "We plan to file a complaint with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency for violation of the Public Official Election Act (candidate defamation)."

The People Power Party explained Yoo's remarks as follows: "The main point is that 'Mrs. Seol experienced social status elevation through her marriage to Kim, and that she undeservedly became the spouse of a presidential candidate, thus she is out of her mind; and that Kim is merely an elderly man.' This constitutes slander against the candidate and his spouse through derogatory and discriminatory statements against women, workers, and the elderly."

The People Power Party further stated, "During the upcoming election campaign, we will hold those legally accountable for any defamatory remarks that damage the character and reputation of Kim and his spouse without grounds."

Article 251 of the Public Official Election Act stipulates that anyone who publicly slanders a candidate, their spouse, direct ascendants or descendants, or siblings by specifying facts through broadcasting, telecommunications, or other means, shall be subject to imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to 5 million won.

The Women's Committee of the People Power Party's Central Election Committee also held a press conference on the same day, criticizing writer Yoo and demanding an apology.

Lee Inseon, head of the Women's Committee and a People Power Party lawmaker, stated, "We strongly condemn the ridicule and disparaging remarks that writer Yoo directed at Mrs. Seol," and added, "Is this truly the dignified public discourse he has long advocated, or is it a base personal attack against a woman from the opposing camp?"

Representative Lee emphasized, "Writer Yoo has not spoken of a 'world where people live,' but rather revealed a worldview that demeans people, judges and ranks them based on political prejudice," and continued, "From now on, even if it is a woman from the opposing camp, establish a political culture that maintains at least the minimum level of courtesy and respect."

Park Yongchan, head of the Public Relations Messaging Team at the People Power Party's Central Election Committee, commented, "Writer Yoo's remarks are not only an insult to Mrs. Seol, but also to the women workers of this country who live diligently while enduring more than 12 hours of labor and overtime."

Director Park pointed out, "No matter how important partisan logic is or how urgent the election may be, was it necessary to hurl such harsh invective at the spouse of a former activist comrade who once shared the hardships and joys of life?" He continued, "This is an organized act of immorality that disregards all means and methods for the sake of its purpose. If such an immoral group were to seize control of state affairs, what would become of this country?"

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