{"id":2201874,"date":"2023-08-02T19:09:07","date_gmt":"2023-08-02T10:09:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2201874"},"modified":"2023-08-03T17:01:25","modified_gmt":"2023-08-03T08:01:25","slug":"a-democratic-party-officials-remarks-ignite-debate-on-ageism-in-south-korea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/08\/a-democratic-party-officials-remarks-ignite-debate-on-ageism-in-south-korea\/","title":{"rendered":"A Democratic Party official\u2019s remarks ignite debate on ageism in South Korea"},"content":{"rendered":"

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 \u201c<\/span>with a short future<\/span><\/a>\u201d ignited a debate about ageism that has transcended party lines.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019s appropriateness for her role and her party\u2019s credibility in managing its members.<\/span><\/p>\n

The upcoming parliamentary elections, slated for April next year, are a significant event for the DP, offering a chance to maintain its majority control of the National Assembly or increase its representation and influence within the government.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But the growing debate over her remarks risks derailing the party\u2019s chances with one of the country\u2019s largest voter demographics.<\/span><\/p>\n

CONTROVERSIAL REMARK<\/b><\/p>\n

Kim made the contentious statement during a youth discussion session held by the Innovation Committee on July 30. Seeking to highlight an argument made by her son, Kim employed the phrase \u201cthose with a short future,\u201d a term <\/span>widely interpreted<\/span><\/a> as a dismissive reference to the elderly.<\/span><\/p>\n

The context of the conversation was voting rights and the influence of older people on issues predominantly affecting the younger generation. Kim told the audience \u2014 people in their 20s and 30s \u2014 that when her son was younger, he questioned why older people decided the future of young people and argued that voting rights should be exercised proportionately to one\u2019s remaining life span.<\/span><\/p>\n

She told the audience that she told her son he raised a \u201creasonable point\u201d but that his idea could not be implemented because democratic countries guarantee the \u201cone person, one vote\u201d doctrine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Critics latched on to her choice of language, implying the diminishing relevance of senior citizens in future-oriented decision-making, decrying it as disrespectful and ageist. They <\/span>argue<\/span><\/a> that her remarks undermine the dignity and significance of older citizens, who constitute a <\/span>sizable portion<\/span><\/a> of the South Korean population and, notably, the electorate.<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite the outcry, a spokesperson for the DP\u2019s Innovation Committee initially stated that there is <\/span>no need to apologize<\/span><\/a> for the remarks, explaining that Kim said such proportional voting is unacceptable in a democratic country. Kim defended herself, <\/span>stating<\/span><\/a> on Tuesday that she had no intention of demeaning senior citizens and that her original remarks were taken out of context.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, this stance has done little to placate critics. Many, including the Korea Senior Citizens Association (KSCA), are <\/span>demanding<\/span><\/a> an official apology; some are even calling for her <\/span>resignation<\/span><\/a>. DP lawmakers Han Byeong-do and Lee Hae-sik visited KSCA\u2019s office to <\/span>apologize<\/span><\/a>, but Kim Eun-kyung did not join them, citing scheduling conflicts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"

People Power Party leader Kim Ki-hyun and members of the party\u2019s Supreme Council hold a meeting in the National Assembly, July 18, 2023 | Image: People Power Party<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

RESPONSE AND CRITICISM<\/b><\/p>\n

In the wake of Kim\u2019s remarks, various responses have echoed across South Korea\u2019s political landscape, from her party colleagues to members of the ruling People Power Party (PPP). Notably, criticism has been growing even within her party.<\/span><\/p>\n

Park Ju-min, a DP lawmaker, <\/span>criticized<\/span><\/a> Kim in a YTN radio interview, admonishing her for her \u201ccontroversial\u201d remark. He cautioned her to be more considerate with her language, given her role as the head of the party\u2019s Innovation Committee and the expectations tied to her position.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ruling party members were less forgiving. Kim Young-woo, a former PPP lawmaker, <\/span>said<\/span><\/a> during an MBC radio interview that if such comments were made during the general elections, the DP would face a \u201ccatastrophic\u201d outcome. He stressed that Kim\u2019s words could profoundly affect the party\u2019s standing among senior voters.<\/span><\/p>\n

Amid the flurry of rebukes, DP lawmaker Yang Yiwonyoung defended Kim, sparking further controversy. She wrote on her <\/span>social media account<\/span><\/a> that \u201cmany of the people who vote today won\u2019t be alive in that future.\u201d While her original post is still up, that sentence has since been deleted because of \u201cthe possibility of misunderstanding.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As the fallout continues to impact the DP, Kim issued a non-apology, <\/span>stating<\/span><\/a>, \u201cThere was no intention to disparage senior citizens. I regret if there are people who were hurt by my remark.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

POLITICAL REPERCUSSIONS<\/b><\/p>\n

As South Korea gears up for the upcoming parliamentary elections, Kim\u2019s remarks are a stark reminder of the delicate dynamics of voter sentiments. The DP\u2019s standing with elderly voters may be further compromised due to this incident.<\/span><\/p>\n

Recent <\/span>polling data<\/span><\/a> from Gallup Korea indicates that public support for the PPP and the DP stands at 35% and 29%, respectively. Public support for the DP is close to its lowest level since the launch of the current government. While voters in their 60s and 70s overwhelmingly support the PPP, the difference in support for both parties among voters in their 20s and 30s is within the margin of error, although there are significant gaps between genders.<\/span><\/p>\n

Notably, the elderly population has traditionally had a high voter turnout in South Korea. As a result, any perceived slight or disregard for their concerns could sway their voting behavior. Given <\/span>past<\/span><\/a> remarks<\/span><\/a> by other DP officials that were also perceived to have demeaned senior citizens and the <\/span>increasingly competitive nature<\/span><\/a> of South Korean politics, even a small shift in voter sentiment could have significant electoral consequences.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seizing on this controversy, PPP leader Kim Gi-hyeon has <\/span>argued<\/span><\/a> that Kim Eun-kyung should apologize and resign and that the DP\u2019s Innovation Committee should be dissolved. He also criticized DP leader Lee Jae-myung for appointing such an \u201cunderqualified\u201d person to head the committee and called on him to take responsibility.<\/span><\/p>\n

The DP\u2019s mixed reaction \u2014 from criticism to support \u2014 to Kim Eun-kyung\u2019s remark may signal internal discord.<\/span><\/p>\n

The party\u2019s leadership has distanced itself from Kim\u2019s remarks. DP floor leader Park Kwang-on <\/span>stated<\/span><\/a> on Wednesday that party members should refrain from \u201cinstigating generational conflict.\u201d He added that today\u2019s South Korea is built on the sacrifices made by previous generations.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, the party stopped short of demanding Kim\u2019s resignation. Its reputation, already under scrutiny due to a <\/span>series<\/span><\/a> of <\/span>political<\/span><\/a> scandals<\/span><\/a>, risks being further compromised if Kim maintains her position without apologizing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kim Eun-kyung\u2019s position within the DP remains uncertain, and her future actions \u2014 whether an apology, resignation, or continued defiance \u2014 are likely to fuel further debate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Edited by Alannah Hill<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Culture & Society<\/span><\/a>Domestic Politics<\/span><\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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 \u201cwith a short future\u201d ignited a debate about ageism that has transcended party lines. 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