Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea's presidential candidate, commented on the 29th about the controversy surrounding allegedly vulgar comments posted by the candidate's child, Dong-ho, on an online community. Lee stated, "This presidential election should be a serious one." He further noted that the controversy over the misogynistic comments was amplified by the media and added, "There should be no collusion with false manipulation."
After completing early voting near Sinchon Station in Seodaemun District, Seoul, Lee met with reporters and was asked about Lee Jun-seok's colorful questions during the TV debate. Lee expressed the hope that the election would seriously consider overcoming internal strife and restoring public life, as well as the nation's fate.
After finishing a media briefing, Lee returned unexpectedly to provide further comments. Lee said, "I have a special request for journalists and media outlets. Objective information and truly principled coverage are needed," Lee said, "Media should strive to uncover and report the truth, not collaborate in false manipulation by indiscriminately writing about baseless claims."
Adding, "Some very particular media outlets exhibit such behavior, I don't know for what reason, but please keep in mind it is an undemocratic, anti-republican act that undermines the fundamental principles of the democratic republic," Lee said, adding, "I emphasize again that this is a critical phase that determines the fate of all of us."
Previously on the 27th, during the third presidential debate, Lee Jun-seok referenced comments reportedly posted by Lee Jae-myung's eldest son, Dong-ho, which sexualized women on an online community, asking, "Do these comments count as misogyny?" In response, Lee Jae-myung did not provide a definitive answer on whether his son posted the comments. The Democratic Party also noted, "It is not clear if Lee Jae-myung's son did it."
Instead, Lee's criticism was directed at Lee Jun-seok's remarks, calling them grounds for severe disciplinary action if made in a TV debate. Furthermore, they took legal action against Lee Jun-seok for allegedly making false statements. However, Lee Jun-seok countered, saying, "The facts have already been confirmed through legal documentation and media reports. It has been verified that Dong-ho made comments exceeding the boundaries of vulgarity," further stating that Dong-ho was fined 5 million won last year for violating the Information and Communications Network Act.