Lee Jun-seok issues another apology for his misogynistic 'chopstick' remark following the submission of a disciplinary motion against him.
In a remarkable turn of events in South Korean politics, Reform Party presidential candidate Lee Jun-seok addressed the public during an emergency press conference at the National Assembly in Yeouido, western Seoul on May 30. [YONHAP]
The conference comes after a series of controversial incidents, including the muting of Lee during a debate due to sexually explicit remarks, and his subsequent apology for a comment deemed misogynistic. Lee was also in the media spotlight for refusing a potential merger of his party with that of PPP's Kim.
Lee was also spotted during a campaign rally in front of Chung Ang University in Dongjak District, southern Seoul on the same day. [YONHAP]
The Reform Party presidential candidate was previously seen during the third televised presidential debate held at MBC's studios in Mapo District, western Seoul on May 27. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]
Lee Jun-seok, a prominent figure in South Korean politics, is currently running for presidency with the Reform Party, which he founded after leaving the People Power Party (PPP) in December 2023. Prior to his political career, he graduated from Harvard University with degrees in computer engineering and economics. He later worked as a software entrepreneur and was involved in educational volunteer work for underprivileged students.
Lee's political journey began in 2011 when he was recruited by then-Saenuri Party leader Park Geun-hye, gaining popularity for his advocacy of meritocracy and rejection of traditional seniority-based politics within the conservative party. In 2021, at the age of 36, he became the youngest leader of a major political party in South Korea, heading the PPP. However, his tenure was marked by internal conflicts, particularly with figures aligned with President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Lee faced allegations of receiving sexual services as a bribe in 2013, which led to his suspension from the PPP for six months in 2022 but were eventually dropped. After leaving the PPP, he founded the Reform Party, positioning it as a centrist and moderate conservative alternative.
The recent political tensions surrounding Lee include a controversial TV debate that led to a proposal for disciplinary action against him by lawmakers from multiple parties. The specific details of these controversies and the content of Lee's statements during the press conference have yet to be disclosed.
In the current political landscape of South Korea, the controversy surrounding Reform Party presidential candidate Lee Jun-seok's statements has escalated beyond policy-and-legislation, spilling into general-news and society. The events unfolding in South Korean politics, such as his refusal to merge his party with that of PPP's Kim, have raised questions about the future course of policy-and-legislation within the nation's society.
