Yoo Si-min "Kim Jong-un is an Enlightened Monarch" vs Kim Geun-sik "Excuse of the Worst Tyrant"

Published 26 Sep.2020 15:09(KST)

Updated 10 Mar.2023 14:45(KST)

Yoo Si-min, chairman of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation for a Living World, is giving a lecture on the topic of "The Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia Peace" at the "Roh Moo-hyun Citizen School" held at the Jeju Welcome Center on the 12th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Nahana] Professor Kim Geun-sik of Gyeongnam National University (Chairman of the People Power Party’s Songpa-byeong District Committee in Seoul) criticized Rhee Si-min, director of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, for his remark that "Kim Jong-un is like an 'enlightened monarch'" regarding Kim Jong-un's apology letter, calling it "nothing but an excuse from the worst tyrant."

Director Rhee said at the '13th Anniversary Commemoration Forum of the October 4 Inter-Korean Summit Declaration' held online on the 25th that Kim Jong-un's apology notice "expressed hope that it would become an opportunity for a turnaround in inter-Korean relations," calling it "good news."

He analyzed that "Chairman Kim’s leadership style is different from before," and that Kim Jong-un's notice shows his changed 'governing style.' He added, "This person is truly an enlightened monarch." He also said, "He is someone with a philosophy and vision for change, but perhaps he is adjusting the tempo due to difficulties in his position."

In response, Professor Kim posted on Facebook on the 26th, criticizing Director Rhee’s remarks as "something that Enlightenment thinkers would regret." He added, "We must see reality clearly," saying, "The supreme leader with absolute power is not an enlightened monarch but an uncontrollable tyrant."