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🇰🇷 South Korea /Elections & Politics

Tearful Apology by Yoon's Ex-'Bodyguard' Sparks 'Political Show' Accusations

From Hankyoreh · (1h ago) Korean Critical tone

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Lee Yong, a former lawmaker and staunch supporter of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, announced his candidacy for a by-election in Hanam-gap, Gyeonggi Province, shedding tears and apologizing for the past administration's perceived wrongdoings.
  • The Democratic Party criticized Lee's apology as a "political show" and a "teary act" by someone who remained silent during critical political events, questioning his sincerity.
  • Lee, known as Yoon's "bodyguard," had previously defended Yoon during his presidential campaign and after his impeachment, drawing further criticism for his sudden display of remorse.

The political landscape in Hanam-gap is heating up with the candidacy of Lee Yong, a figure deeply associated with the former presidential administration. Lee's tearful apology during his campaign announcement has been met with sharp criticism from the opposition, who dismiss it as a calculated political maneuver rather than genuine remorse. This dramatic display, intended to convey accountability for the previous government's perceived failures, has instead ignited accusations of insincerity and a "political show" timed for the election.

I will not avoid the wrongdoings of the administration we created. I am not free from responsibility for the disappointment and hurt that administration caused the people. I sincerely apologize.

— Lee YongDuring his press conference announcing his candidacy for the Hanam-gap by-election.

Lee's past actions, including his vocal defense of former President Yoon Suk-yeol during sensitive political periods, cast a long shadow over his current appeal for public trust. His history as Yoon's "bodyguard," actively participating in rallies and demonstrations to support the former president, makes his sudden expression of regret particularly contentious. The Democratic Party has seized on this, framing his apology as a desperate attempt to distance himself from a controversial past and win votes, rather than a sincere reflection on his role.

Is this a political show to wash away the responsibility for the rebellion with a few tears?

— Kang Jun-hyunSpokesperson for the Democratic Party, criticizing Lee Yong's apology.

This by-election is not just about local representation; it has become a proxy battleground for national political narratives. The Democratic Party's strong condemnation highlights the deep divisions and lingering resentments from the previous administration. For voters in Hanam-gap, Lee Yong's candidacy forces a difficult choice: to accept his apology at face value and consider his promise to rebuild trust through action, or to view his past loyalty and current performance as disqualifying. The stark contrast between his past staunch support and his current tearful repentance underscores the high stakes and the often-dramatic nature of South Korean politics, where personal loyalties and political expediency frequently collide.

The bodyguard of the rebellious regime Yoon Suk-yeol, is it possible to wash away the responsibility for the rebellion with a few tears?

— Democratic PartyIn a statement criticizing Lee Yong's apology.
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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