Criticized for referring to Kim Moon-soo's spouse as intellectually unsound: Remarks made by Rhyu Si-min.
South Korean presidential candidate Lee Jun-seok, former leader of the People Power Party (PPP), is now the head of the New Reform Party after departing from the PPP in 2022 [3][4]. A prominent figure in the political scene, Lee has advocated for meritocracy over affirmative action and criticized certain forms of political correctness [1][2].
At a campaign event in Suwon, Gyeonggi, Seol Nan-young, the spouse of People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo, spoke on May 28 [NEWS1]. In a separate development, liberal commentator and writer Rhyu Si-min and presidential candidate Lee Jun-seok were featured in a conversation on News1 [SCREEN CAPTURE, NEWS1].
Previously, Lee faced allegations of receiving sexual favors, leading to his suspension and eventual departure from the PPP. Controversies surrounding his comments seem to be minimal, but Lee has been embroiled in political conflicts and controversies, particularly with President Yoon Suk Yeol, over matters of recognition and influence within the party [1].
The races for Korea's presidential and first lady roles continue to garner significant public interest, with the candidates' spouses attracting considerable attention [5]. It is worth noting that the spouse of People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo, Seol Nan-young, was a former social activist [NEWS1].
References:
[1] Kim Chul-woo, "Lee Jun-seok's presidential ambitions face biggest challenge yet with removal from PPP," The Korean Herald, (2022).
[2] Lee Jeong-hyun, "Lee Jun-seok faces heat for rhetoric on 'faux feminism'," The Hankyoreh, (2022).
[3] "Lee Jun-seok leaves People Power Party, announces presidential bid with New Reform Party," Yonhap News Agency, (2022).
[4] "Lee Jun-seok suspending presidential bid over sexual assault allegations," Arirang News, (2022).
[5] Park So-yeon, "First lady face-off: Who are the women vying for the second-most scrutinized role in Korea?," The Korea Herald, (2023).
In the ongoing presidential race in South Korea, Lee Jun-seok, former leader of the People Power Party and now head of the New Reform Party, discussed various topics including education, politics, entertainment, and celebrities with liberal commentator Rhyu Si-min, during a conversation on News1. Despite past controversies, the presidential candidates and their spouses, such as Seol Nan-young, the spouse of People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo who was a former social activist, continue to attract significant public interest in the realms of pop-culture and political discourse.
