"President Also Has a Criminal Record"?Ansan Mayoral Pre-candidate Chun Youngmi Sparks Controversy with Drunk Driving Comment

Chun Youngmi, the pre-candidate for Mayor of Ansan from the Democratic Party of Korea, has sparked controversy after mentioning her own record of drunk driving and comparing it to President Lee Jaemyung's criminal record. After her remarks spread online and public criticism intensified, Chun issued an official apology statement.

Cheon Youngmi, a preliminary candidate for mayor of Ansan from the Democratic Party of Korea. Cheon Youngmi SNS

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On April 14, Yonhap News reported that Chun Youngmi, pre-candidate for Mayor of Ansan, caused a stir by mentioning the President's criminal record in the process of justifying her own history of drunk driving. The controversy began on April 11, during a presentation of campaign platforms by Democratic Party of Korea pre-candidates for Ansan Mayor at Assemblyman Park Haecheol's local office. At the event, Chun, while criticizing negative attacks from rival candidates, stated, "I have one record of drunk driving. President Lee Jaemyung also has a criminal record. Didn't you vote for the President?"

The video containing her remarks quickly spread through social media, sparking criticism among voters for being an "inappropriate comparison" and "shirking responsibility." In particular, many pointed out that her attempt to justify the serious offense of drunk driving by comparing it to another person's case was inappropriate for a public office candidate. As the controversy grew, Chun released a statement the same day, saying, "I apologize to the citizens of Ansan and party members for my past drunk driving and the inappropriate remarks that have recently spread on social media." She continued, "The drunk driving I committed 19 years ago is an unmistakable wrongdoing that cannot be taken lightly for any reason, and I am still deeply remorseful."

Regarding her controversial remarks, Chun added, "In acknowledging my wrongdoing, I was not able to control my emotions sufficiently," and stated, "I take seriously the fact that I failed to act with the restraint and prudence expected of a public figure." Chun pledged, "Through this incident, I will reflect on myself with greater humility and strive to regain trust through responsible actions rather than words." Meanwhile, Chun, a former member of the Gyeonggi Provincial Council, has advanced to the second round of the Democratic Party of Korea's primary to select its official candidate for Mayor of Ansan.

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