"Too Many 'Bbalgaengi', Difficult to Conduct Legislative Activities"… Outcry Over Remarks by Kimhae City Council Members from the People Power Party

Imi-ae and Kim Yu-sang, council members of Gimhae City, attending the rally. Photo by Imi-ae Facebook

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"There are many red communists in Gimhae. That makes it quite difficult to carry out legislative activities.", "From Gimhae, where there are many red communists, we will demonstrate the power of our free right-wing patriotic conservatives of the Republic of Korea..."

Two members of the Gimhae City Council in Gyeongnam, affiliated with the People Power Party, made such remarks at an anti-impeachment rally for President Yoon Suk-yeol held in Changwon on the 19th, causing a stir. The council members are Imi-ae, chairperson of the Gimhae City Council Steering Committee, and Kim Yu-sang, the People Power Party floor leader in the city council. Both took the stage at the rally and used the term "red communists."

After their remarks became known, strong backlash from Gimhae citizens followed. On the Gimhae City Council website's "Requests to the Council" section, protest messages flooded in, such as "We can no longer remain silent about the term 'red communists,'" "Citizens are being mocked. The two council members must publicly apologize in front of City Hall. They should leave Gimhae."

Gimhae City Council 'Wishes for the Council' Citizen Complaint Posts. Gimhae City Council Website

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One citizen criticized, "Do not insult the many people who love Gimhae, who honestly pay their taxes diligently and work hard for regional development, and do not disgrace the citizens of Gimhae." Another citizen pointed out, "The reason for the 'red communist' label in Gimhae comes from a certain group that ignores the majority of the people and thinks and judges everything centered on themselves, led by their leader."

This backlash is spreading to local political circles and civic groups. Kim Jeong-ho, a member of the National Assembly from the Democratic Party representing Gimhae-eul, stated, "(The People Power Party council members) not only attended the anti-impeachment rally and condoned the recent riot incident but also made reckless remarks that there are many red communists in Gimhae. We will never overlook this incident," adding, "Political and legal responsibility must be held for politicians who incite public conflict with irresponsible remarks." Along with Democratic Party council members and local civic groups such as the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, a critical press conference against the council members has been announced, amplifying the controversy over their 'red communist' remarks.

In response, council member Imi-ae told Yonhap News, "At the rally, a participant shouted that 'there are many red communists in Gimhae,' and I spoke as if lamenting that." She added, "What is wrong with the 'red communist' remark? I believe the public or citizens will judge this statement, and at present, I see no reason to apologize." Yonhap reported that attempts to contact council member Kim Yu-sang for an explanation were unsuccessful as he did not answer the phone.

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