A South Korean politician known for her unfiltered rhetoric has found herself in the eye of a political storm after her description of senior citizens as those “with a short future” ignited a debate about ageism that has transcended party lines.

The controversy over the remarks by Kim Eun-kyung, head of the Innovation Committee for the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), has become a national issue, with critics questioning Kim’s appropriateness for her role and her party’s credibility in managing its members.