Kim Hyung-ju, a former lawmaker of the Democratic Party of Korea, is facing criticism from across the political spectrum after making controversial remarks toward People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok, who is on the sixth day of a hunger strike, including saying it would be "good if he died."
According to the political scene on the 20th, Kim appeared on a YouTube channel the previous day and, regarding Jang's hunger strike demanding acceptance of the so-called "dual special counsel" on the Unification Church and nomination donations, said, "He picked a bad timing for a hunger strike," and added, "After he attacked former leader Han Dong-hoon and got awkward, he is playing dead so people won't curse him." He added, "He is acting as if he were a martyr."
Some say former leader Han Dong-hoon should visit the hunger strike site to encourage Jang, but Kim said, "It's still too early," and argued, "Even if Han goes, he won't be able to manage his expression."
He said, "It's a place only rotten politicians can go," and added, "Only when the hunger strike reaches an extreme and he is carried to the hospital should one go. It would be good if he died, and then you can just hold his hand a bit."
When the host pointed out that "Jang is still hale and hearty," Kim said, "He has nothing to say, so what would he talk about if he goes?" and added, "He could be criticized for doing his own politics during this period. To be honest, 'I wish Jang Dong-hyeok would die. That's why I'm not going' is right."
In response, People Power Party Spokesperson Lee Chung-hyung issued a commentary criticizing, "The Democratic Party's political culture has already exceeded a dangerous level in the eyes of ordinary people." He emphasized, "After Democratic Party leader Jung Chung-rae belittled Jang Dong-hyeok's hunger strike as a 'hunger strike tantrum' and a 'hunger strike show,' now even bringing up death goes beyond political stance and raises humanitarian issues."
Lee also said, "President Lee Jae-myung is said to have burst into hearty laughter during a dinner with the Democratic Party leadership at the Blue House," and pointed out, "Neither the president nor the Democratic Party has even paid a consolatory visit to the opposition leader's hunger strike site. Before politics, the minimum dignity and human decency must be kept."