'Two Kids Mom vs. Tori Mom' Controversy... Han Junho Finally Apologizes "Did Not Distinguish Women by Childbirth Status"

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate's spouse Kim Hye-kyung (left), and Yoon Seok-youl, the People Power Party presidential candidate's spouse Kim Gun-hee (right) [Photo by Han Junho, Democratic Party member of the National Assembly, Facebook capture]

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[Asia Economy Reporter Su-mi Hwang] Rep. Han Jun-ho, the chief of staff for Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, apologized after sparking controversy by comparing the childbirth status of the wives of presidential candidates from both ruling and opposition parties.

On the 20th, Rep. Han posted on his Facebook, "I sincerely apologize to those who felt uncomfortable or hurt by my post a few days ago." He added, "I never intended to distinguish women based on childbirth, but I acknowledge that there was room for misunderstanding in the way I expressed myself," and bowed his head, saying, "I will be more careful in the future and take this as an opportunity for reflection."

Earlier, Rep. Han caused controversy by comparing Kim Hye-kyung, wife of candidate Lee, and Kim Geon-hee, wife of People Power Party candidate Yoon Seok-youl, based on their childbirth experiences.

On the 17th, Rep. Han mentioned Kim Hye-kyung and Kim Geon-hee on his Facebook, saying, "Kim Hye-kyung, mother of two children vs. Kim Geon-hee, mother of Tori. The First Lady also represents the nation's dignity."

Tori is the name of the Yoon couple's pet dog. This statement appeared to emphasize that Kim Hye-kyung has given birth to two children, while Kim Geon-hee has no children.

Rep. Han's remarks were interpreted as using childbirth status as a criterion for superiority, sparking controversy.

Netizens responded critically with comments such as, "Does having children raise national dignity?", "What era is this to be judged by childbirth?", and "Such a careless remark. Apologize."

Criticism intensified especially after it was revealed that Kim Geon-hee had suffered a miscarriage due to shock when the National Intelligence Service comment investigation scandal escalated in the past.

The People Power Party criticized, saying, "Are women who have not given birth people who lower the nation's dignity?"

As the controversy grew, Rep. Han deleted the descriptive phrases and revised the post to simply "Kim Hye-kyung vs. Kim Geon-hee."

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