Home > National > 2025 Presidential Election

Voters must reject last-minute smears in presidential race

Published: 02 Jun. 2025, 00:00

Commentator Yoo Si-min, left, and Lee Jun-seok, the presidential candidate for the minor Reform Party [SCREEN CAPTURE, NEWS1]

As Korea’s presidential race nears its conclusion, negative campaigning has once again clouded the electoral atmosphere. A recent example involves liberal commentator Yoo Si-min, who criticized Seol Nan-young, wife of People Power Party (PPP) candidate Kim Moon-soo, during an appearance on YouTuber Kim Eo-jun’s program.

Yoo suggested that Seol, a high school graduate, may have married Kim, a Seoul National University graduate, as a way to feel “elevated.” His remark was classist, reflecting a dismissive attitude toward low-income individuals. Yoo went further, stating that the role of a major party candidate’s spouse was “a place she could never reach in life,” adding that she was “mentally detached” from reality. These comments were sexist, suggesting a woman’s value is tied to her husband’s status.

Although Yoo later claimed he was explaining why Seol had criticized Democratic Party (DP) candidate Lee Jae-myung’s wife, Kim Hye-kyung, for a corporate credit-card scandal, his defense only reinforced perceptions of condescension and elitism. As a progressive figure who often advocates for marginalized groups, his remarks exposed a troubling contradiction.

Lee’s response to the controversy also raised concerns. He acknowledged the “inappropriateness” of the expression but added, “Since he apologized, I believe the public will forgive him.” The contrast with the DP’s treatment of Lee Jun-seok, the Reform Party candidate, is striking. The party is reportedly seeking to expel Lee for comments made during a televised debate, prompting accusations of double standards.

In the final stretch of the campaign, major parties have focused less on policy and more on personal attacks. Lee and the DP have revived calls to “punish rebellion,” referring to alleged attempts to undermine democratic order. In response, Kim Moon-soo’s PPP has formed a task force to investigate alleged misconduct by Lee’s family, particularly his eldest son.

Seol Nan-young, a former social activist and the spouse of People Power Party presidential candidate Kim Moon-soo, speaks at a campaign event in Suwon, Gyeonggi, on May 28. [NEWS1]

Amid this escalation, fresh allegations have emerged that a conservative education group, “Ree Park School,” sought to manipulate public opinion through orchestrated online comments. Despite previous election cycles being marred by similar scandals, such efforts continue to surface. The DP has filed a complaint alleging violations of the Public Official Election Act, while the PPP accused the DP of staging a “covert election scheme.” The police must conduct a fair and transparent investigation to determine the facts.

Kim Hye-kyung, wife of liberal Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung, volunteers for older adults at a community center in Gwangju on May 16. [NEWS1]

Policy debates have all but disappeared. As in past elections, smear campaigns, lawsuits and public mudslinging have dominated headlines. Yet the most decisive factor remains the voters. In a time of global uncertainty, economic hardship and deepening social divides, it is the citizen’s responsibility to elect a leader capable of uniting the country and navigating difficult challenges.

Voters must not be swayed by propaganda or personal attacks. The task of distinguishing substance from spectacle lies with the people.

Translated from the JoongAng Ilbo using generative AI and edited by Korea JoongAng Daily staff.