“Focused Solely on Protecting Kim Kun-hee Throughout… Embarrassed by Such Petty and Unprepared Appearance”
The Democratic Party of Korea harshly criticized President Yoon Suk-yeol’s recent public address and press conference held on the 7th, describing it as “full of empty apologies, pathetic excuses, and incurable arrogance and self-righteousness.”
In a briefing that afternoon, Chief Spokesperson Cho Seung-rae said, “Today’s press conference seemed to be held at the behest of Mrs. Kim and showed the president’s consistent focus on protecting her, clearly revealing for whom the event was truly intended.” He added, “He ultimately abandoned the people and chose Kim Kun-hee.”
Cho criticized President Yoon for brushing aside all suspicions after an empty apology, stating, “Even with his own voice being publicly revealed, there is nothing left but despair in the face of his stubbornness and self-righteousness as he refuses to acknowledge any wrongdoing.”
He continued, saying, “The issue with Mrs. Kim was completely rejected, with an audacious attitude as if suggesting the definition of ‘state manipulation’ in the dictionary should be changed because there’s nothing wrong with the president’s wife assisting him in governance.” He further criticized by questioning, “Is it normal for the first lady to send texts from the president’s phone while he sleeps?” and suggested that “President Yoon should look up the dictionary before suggesting changes.”
Cho also accused President Yoon of denying even the special prosecutor system to protect Mrs. Kim, questioning, “After having worked as a special prosecutor himself, why is he now discrediting the system?” He questioned President Yoon’s intention by pointing out serious allegations such as nomination meddling, state manipulation, bribery, and stock price manipulation, asking, “Isn’t it absurd that the best he could come up with is claiming it as a ‘marital fight’?” He suggested ironically that President Yoon should admit he fears the penalty of being investigated by a special prosecutor.
Commenting on the “Myongtech Gate” explanation, Cho labeled it as pathetic, pointing out that even with the president’s own voice proving nomination interference being revealed, he still spouted nothing but contradictory excuses. He declared, “‘If recommendations came during the general election, they were given to the talent recruitment committee,’ is nothing but a confession of nomination meddling.”
Cho further criticized the president’s comment, “I won’t use tricks to raise approval ratings,” interpreting it as obstinacy and a refusal to heed public opinion, stating, “The last two and a half years have only reaffirmed the incompetency, irresponsibility, and lack of plans. One can’t help but question why this press conference was even held.” He concluded by highlighting the lack of responsibility or willingness for reform.
He emphasized, “The president’s petty and planless appearance is also embarrassing,” questioning, “If the lack of applause keeps him from attending the National Assembly, what does President Yoon think of the position of president?”
To the People Power Party, he warned, “If you continue to shield such a president, the public’s anger will also turn toward the party, and you will walk the path of downfall together with President Yoon.”
In an interview with reporters following the briefing, Cho compared the press conference to former President Park Geun-hye’s statement during her state manipulation scandal, where she claimed, “Choi Soon-sil was helping me.”