Author Slams Colleague Over President Lee Criticism

South Korean author Huh Ji-woong has sharply criticized fellow writer Yoo Si-min, accusing him of hypocrisy and a lack of "shame" for his recent remarks about President Lee Jae-myung. Yoo had suggested that President Lee might be alienating traditional Democratic Party supporters, including pro-Moon Jae-in factions, by prioritizing his own agenda over their desires.

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I held back, but you crossed the line. You, who spoke of dividing people into three types – belief-oriented, profit-oriented – and claimed the profit-oriented would be the first to criticize if the president's approval rating dropped, are now throwing the most pointed stones at the president. Where is your shame?

Huh took to social media to express his outrage, posting a captured image of Yoo and writing, "I held back, but you crossed the line. You, who spoke of dividing people into three types – belief-oriented, profit-oriented – and claimed the profit-oriented would be the first to criticize if the president's approval rating dropped, are now throwing the most pointed stones at the president." Huh questioned Yoo's "shame," asking where it was, especially after Yoo's "embarrassing" past political career and subsequent return to public life through entertainment programs.

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You, who spoke of dividing people into three types – belief-oriented, profit-oriented – and claimed the profit-oriented would be the first to criticize if the president's approval rating dropped, are now throwing the most pointed stones at the president.

The controversy stems from Yoo's appearance on a YouTube channel where he commented on President Lee's leadership style. Yoo suggested that the president's "overconfidence" led him to pursue "reconstruction" when his ardent supporters desired "expansion." Huh retaliated by referencing Yoo's past controversial statements, such as suggesting that "brains rot after 60," and questioning the health of Yoo's own "brain" now that he is in that age group. Huh also criticized Yoo's perceived generational entitlement, describing Yoo's generation as having benefited from opportunities like the housing boom and questioning their gratitude towards younger generations who face different challenges.

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What is your shame, which you so desperately lack, after your embarrassing political career and your return to entertainment, where you overcame all your dark history alone without anyone's consent?

Huh further accused Yoo of fostering division and a need for enemies, stating, "You must have an enemy. You must be right. There must be confrontation." He suggested that if an external enemy isn't apparent, one is found within the camp. Huh concluded by referencing the psychological state of "ego inflation," describing it as a condition where individuals belittle others or display self-righteousness based on excessive attention and self-centered thinking. The exchange reflects ongoing debates and internal criticisms within the political sphere regarding leadership and supporter engagement.

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I think the president was perhaps too confident.