Kim Yong-tae, the Chairperson of the People Power Party's Emergency Response Committee, criticized the Democratic Party of Korea on the 30th for remaining silent about the online sexual harassment posts made by the son of Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, calling it 'hypocritical.' Regarding the unification with Lee Jun-seok of the Reform Party, Kim noted, 'It is a practically challenging situation.'
Chairperson Kim, after participating in a campaign in front of the Clock Tower Plaza in Cheongpyeong, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi Province, held a press conference where Kim criticized, 'The progressive camp is erecting a 'solid shield of hypocrisy' to protect candidate Lee Jae-myung.'
Kim mentioned the case where Lee's son was summarily fined 5 million won by the court for distributing obscene materials on the internet, saying, 'Yet the Democratic Party claims it is 'fabrication' and 'falsehood.' A party trying to erase even certified facts, what truths will it attempt to manipulate if it controls administration, legislation, and judiciary?'
Kim also criticized the progressive camp for showing a double standard, stating, 'They ridicule and curse Lee Jun-seok, but remain silent about the sexual harassment expressions made by Lee's son.'
Continuing, Kim raised their voice, saying, 'The Democratic Party is blocking all criticisms directed towards Lee Jae-myung, his spouse, and his son with a bulletproof shield. Can we entrust our country to those who evade responsibility while blocking criticism in this way?'
Chairperson Kim reaffirmed the stance regarding discussions for unification with candidate Lee Jun-seok, stating, 'I will respect the judgment of the Reform Party.'
Kim noted, 'It was the desperate outcry of citizens trying to prevent those who want to ruin the economy and freely dictate, but it's very disappointing that the Reform Party did not respond,' while also saying, 'I think there is a way to win together in a three-way structure.'
Regarding plans for additional discussions on unification with candidate Lee Jun-seok, Kim left the possibility open, stating, 'We can talk anytime,' but analyzed it as a 'practically challenging situation.'
Kim continued, 'Candidate Kim plans to more vigorously expand to the center,' adding, 'I think candidate Lee Jun-seok may play a role in gaining support from many citizens in the progressive camp.' Even if the three-way competition continues with Lee Jun-seok completing the presidential race, it can be interpreted that Kim would not be at a disadvantage if some centrist progressive voters support candidate Lee.
Chairperson Kim also stated, 'Even if a Kim Moon-soo administration launches, there will definitely be a role for candidate Lee Jun-seok.' When asked if this statement contemplated a 'coalition' or joint government, Kim replied, '(There are) many possibilities for candidate Lee Jun-seok's role,' and that it would be discussed later.
Regarding the derogatory remarks about First Lady Seol Nan-young by Ryu Shi-min, former director of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, Kim commented, 'Is there a separate qualification for being the First Lady of South Korea?' adding, 'It is shocking how those who claimed to engage in labor and democratization movements make such hypocritical statements. The hypocrisy of the 586 generation activists is rampant,' Kim pointed out.