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🇰🇷 South Korea /Elections & Politics

Chung Cheong-rae repeatedly apologizes for 'Oppa, say it' remark; faces internal criticism

From Hankyoreh · (5m ago) Korean Critical tone

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Democratic Party leader Chung Cheong-rae has apologized again for his "Oppa, say it" remark made to a child during a campaign event in Busan.
  • The remark, made to a first-grader, drew criticism from the opposition and even from within his own party, with former party leader Song Young-gil suggesting Chung should be more careful.
  • Chung expressed regret that the child became the center of controversy and apologized to the child and their parents.

The Hankyoreh reports on Democratic Party leader Chung Cheong-rae's repeated apologies for his "Oppa, say it" comment made to a young child during a campaign event in Busan. The incident, which occurred while Chung was campaigning for a by-election candidate, has become a point of contention, drawing criticism not only from opposing parties but also from within his own.

I am sorry to the child who was hurt and to the parents because the child became the center of the controversy regarding the situation during my visit to Gupo Market.

— Chung Cheong-raeDemocratic Party leader Chung Cheong-rae apologizes for his 'Oppa, say it' remark made to a child.

Chung's remark to a first-grader, asking the child to call him "Oppa" (a term for an older brother or close male friend), was deemed inappropriate by many. He has since apologized twice, expressing his deep regret that the child was thrust into the center of the controversy and offering apologies to the child and their parents. This incident highlights the delicate balance politicians must strike when interacting with the public, especially children, during campaign events.

Do you think Representative Chung Cheong-rae's actions will help the Yeongnam region elections?

— Song Young-gilFormer Democratic Party leader Song Young-gil questions the effectiveness of Chung's campaign activities.

The criticism extends beyond the immediate incident. Former Democratic Party leader Song Young-gil, speaking on a radio show, suggested that Chung should exercise more caution and that his presence in the Yeongnam region might not be beneficial for the party's electoral prospects. Song implied that constant media scrutiny and the potential for "mistakes" in such a charged environment could be exploited by conservative forces. He advised that central party figures should offer support from a distance rather than actively campaigning in sensitive areas.

It is better to have the central party provide support from above rather than making mistakes there.

— Song Young-gilSong Young-gil suggests a more cautious approach for top party officials campaigning in certain regions.

Another party member, lawmaker Han Byung-do, also emphasized the need for "prudence in all statements." The candidate Chung was supporting, Ha Jung-woo, also issued a late-night apology, expressing his regret and promising to engage with constituents with greater humility. This situation underscores the challenges faced by the Democratic Party in the upcoming by-elections, where any misstep can be amplified and used against them, particularly in a region where they are seeking to gain ground.

It is very cautious because if YouTube follows you 24 hours a day, you can make mistakes by picking out only a part of it.

— Song Young-gilSong Young-gil explains the risks of constant media attention during campaigns.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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