'Baekje Statement' Lee Jae-myung Criticized by Jeong Jin-seok as "Shallow Historical Awareness... Study More"

Published 25 Jul.2021 16:26(KST)

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea's presidential pre-candidate and Governor of Gyeonggi Province, is holding a press conference on the 25th at the Democratic Party of Korea Gwangju Metropolitan City Party office in Chipyeong-dong, Seo-gu, Gwangju.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] Jeong Jin-seok, a member of the People Power Party, sharply criticized Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung's 'Baekje remarks,' calling them "a crude historical perception based on strained interpretation" and saying, "Study history properly. I am ashamed in front of the growing children."

On the 25th, Jeong posted on his Facebook under the title "Governor Lee's crude and shameful historical perception," stating, "As a member of the National Assembly representing Gongju and Buyeo, the capitals of Baekje, I cannot remain silent," and wrote as such.

Earlier, in an interview with JoongAng Ilbo released on the 23rd, Governor Lee said, "When former leader Lee Nak-yeon ran in last year's party convention, I sincerely said, 'Please prepare well and win the presidential election,'" adding, "Because I judged it was better than me winning." He continued, "In the 5,000-year history of the Korean Peninsula, Baekje (Honam) has never been the main force to unify the entire peninsula. If (former leader Lee) wins, I would consider it history," sparking controversy over the so-called 'Baekje Impossibility Theory.'

In response, Jeong, whose constituency is Gongju and Buyeo in Chungnam Province, criticized, calling it a kind of "Honam Defeat Theory," and asked, "Has a presidential candidate ever so recklessly stirred regional sentiments like this?"

On the morning of the 9th of last month, at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Jeong Jin-seok, chairman of the People Power Party's Special Committee on the Investigation of Military Sexual Crimes, is speaking at the 'People Power Party Military Sexual Crime Investigation Special Committee Appointment Ceremony and 1st Meeting.' [Image source=Yonhap News]

Jeong explained, "This year marks the 1,500th anniversary since Baekje King Muryeong defeated Goguryeo in 521 AD and declared Baekje a strong nation again with the proclamation of Gaengwigangguk (更爲强國)." He added, "Baekje was a country that went beyond the regional limits of the Korean Peninsula, establishing collective settlements in China's Shandong Province and Wa (Japan), dominating East Asia, and actively trading with neighboring countries."

He continued, "Baekje was essentially the origin of the Korean Wave we proudly celebrate," and wrote, "The openness, inclusiveness, and creative cultural capabilities of the Baekje people flow continuously in our blood."

He raised his voice, saying, "Governor Lee Jae-myung, who regards Baekje as a mediocre tribal state, should visit the Muryeong Royal Tomb in Gongju, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the National Gongju and Buyeo Museums," and added, "I hope he offers an apology to the people of Gongju and Buyeo, who have been deeply hurt in their pride as Baekje descendants."

In response to ongoing criticism from both ruling and opposition parties, Governor Lee explained on his Facebook on the 25th, "In the interview, I only said that I am recognized for my ability, trust, and integrity and that I have great competitiveness as the Democratic Party candidate with nationwide appeal. I never made any remarks that promote regionalism as claimed by Candidate Lee's camp, and there is no such content in the interview article."

He added, "What is regrettable is the extreme 'negative' attacks from the candidate's camp," and protested, "They are fabricating words I never said and attacking me by claiming 'Lee Jae-myung made regionalist remarks in the interview.'"