By-election candidate apologizes for 'hand-wiping' and 'oppa' remarks

The Hankyoreh reports on Democratic Party candidate Ha Jung-woo's efforts to address recent controversies surrounding his campaign for the June 3rd by-election in Busan's Buk-gu. Ha has issued apologies for two separate incidents: one involving his perceived dismissive gesture after shaking hands with a market merchant, and another concerning inappropriate remarks made to a young girl by himself and party leader Jung Cheong-rae.

Regarding the 'hand-wiping' incident, Ha stated that he personally apologized to the merchant involved and received words of encouragement. He attributed the action to his inexperience in politics and the sheer volume of handshakes he encountered. Similarly, he apologized for the 'oppa' remarks, acknowledging the need for greater sensitivity and humility in his interactions, especially with children and their families. These apologies are crucial for Ha, a newcomer to politics, as he seeks to build trust and credibility with the electorate.

Despite these setbacks, Ha remains focused on his campaign's core message: presenting a compelling vision for Buk-gu's future. He believes that demonstrating his ability to offer practical solutions for the district's development will be more impactful than the potential for opposition candidate unification. Ha positions himself as a capable individual, even self-referencing the nickname 'Ha GPT' (a play on his name and the AI technology), suggesting he is well-equipped to drive progress. The Hankyoreh will continue to track Ha's campaign as he navigates these challenges and attempts to connect with voters on substantive issues.