The ruling and opposition parties engaged in a heated debate over Kim Min-seok, the leader of the Democratic Party, who interrupted a performance during a local festival. The Democratic Party defended Kim's actions, stating that he was not at fault for 'excessive protocol,' while the People Power Party criticized him for displaying 'extreme arrogance' by trampling on cultural rights.
On October 18, Kim publicly apologized to singer HYNN (Park Hye-won) and the audience. He stated on X (formerly Twitter), "I want to first express my apologies for the uncomfortable situation that occurred during the performance at the Sunchang County festival. I had indicated that I would not greet anyone during the performance, but I was called by the host while surveying the area and ended up greeting the audience."
Spokesperson Shin Hyun-young also commented on Facebook, saying, "Kim clearly expressed his intention not to go on stage while the performance was ongoing. This incident highlights how insufficient coordination and excessive protocol for politicians can negatively impact everyone involved."
In response, the People Power Party criticized Kim, stating, "His arrogant attitude, which undermines the rule of law while threatening to impeach Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae, is now encroaching on the daily lives of citizens."
Choi Soo-jin, the party's chief spokesperson, remarked in a statement, "The invited singer, who was in the midst of a passionate performance, had to retreat from the stage due to Kim's appearance. This is the epitome of arrogance, suggesting that even the public's right to enjoy culture is beneath the power of the elite."
Choi also accused Kim of exploiting the festival as a campaign platform by mentioning the names of party politicians, including Minister of Unification Jeong Dong-young and Representative Park Hee-seung. She criticized the blatant display of privilege, stating, "This incident starkly reveals how a power-drunk official views the public as mere disposable commodities, and how their arrogance, which threatens the rule of law, is now invading the realm of everyday life and popular culture."
Earlier, on October 15, during the opening ceremony of the 'Sunchang Fermented Soybean Festival' in Jeollabuk-do, Kim sparked controversy when he took the stage at the request of the host while the invited singer was performing. When Kim appeared, HYNN looked visibly surprised and stepped down from the stage. Kim then greeted the audience, saying, "It’s great to be in the hometown of Minister Jeong Dong-young, who is doing great work for our government, and in the district of our Representative Park Hee-seung."
On October 18, Kim publicly apologized to singer HYNN (Park Hye-won) and the audience. He stated on X (formerly Twitter), "I want to first express my apologies for the uncomfortable situation that occurred during the performance at the Sunchang County festival. I had indicated that I would not greet anyone during the performance, but I was called by the host while surveying the area and ended up greeting the audience."
Spokesperson Shin Hyun-young also commented on Facebook, saying, "Kim clearly expressed his intention not to go on stage while the performance was ongoing. This incident highlights how insufficient coordination and excessive protocol for politicians can negatively impact everyone involved."
In response, the People Power Party criticized Kim, stating, "His arrogant attitude, which undermines the rule of law while threatening to impeach Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae, is now encroaching on the daily lives of citizens."
Choi Soo-jin, the party's chief spokesperson, remarked in a statement, "The invited singer, who was in the midst of a passionate performance, had to retreat from the stage due to Kim's appearance. This is the epitome of arrogance, suggesting that even the public's right to enjoy culture is beneath the power of the elite."
Choi also accused Kim of exploiting the festival as a campaign platform by mentioning the names of party politicians, including Minister of Unification Jeong Dong-young and Representative Park Hee-seung. She criticized the blatant display of privilege, stating, "This incident starkly reveals how a power-drunk official views the public as mere disposable commodities, and how their arrogance, which threatens the rule of law, is now invading the realm of everyday life and popular culture."
Earlier, on October 15, during the opening ceremony of the 'Sunchang Fermented Soybean Festival' in Jeollabuk-do, Kim sparked controversy when he took the stage at the request of the host while the invited singer was performing. When Kim appeared, HYNN looked visibly surprised and stepped down from the stage. Kim then greeted the audience, saying, "It’s great to be in the hometown of Minister Jeong Dong-young, who is doing great work for our government, and in the district of our Representative Park Hee-seung."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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