Yoo Si-min defends Kang Sun-woo… Opposition claims "false information dissemination" and files criminal complaint
Yoo Si-min, a writer who made supportive remarks regarding the controversy over Kang Sun-woo, a member of the Democratic Party, was reported for criminal charges by an opposition figure.
On the morning of the 13th, Lee Jong-bae, a member of the Seoul City Council from the People Power Party, held a press conference in front of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and announced that he would file a complaint against Yoo for defamation through the dissemination of false information under the Information and Communication Network Act.
Claim that “they presented it as if they were fired for causing trouble” is asserted to be false
During the press conference, Lee stated, "On the 10th, Yoo said in a broadcast on his YouTube channel 'Yoo Si-min Fishing Academy' regarding a former aide who exposed the mistreatment by Kang's staff, 'One or two people caused trouble and were let go because they couldn't do their jobs, and they are hiding behind this to expose it as if it were mistreatment.'" He argued, "This is clearly false."
He asserted, "The former aide did not merely neglect his duties; he exposed unreasonable directives such as toilet repairs and garbage collection that were not appropriate for a member of the National Assembly," emphasizing, "Diluting the responsibility of the perpetrator and blaming the victim is a serious secondary victimization."
He further stated, "Mistreatment is a societal ill that can drive victims to extreme choices. If a political figure supports this, the repercussions will be serious," and raised his voice, insisting that the investigative authorities must thoroughly investigate Yoo and severely punish him.
Details of the YouTube remarks… Hwang Kyo-ik present, broadcast aired as is
In the broadcast, Yoo commented on the controversy surrounding Kang, stating, "The Kang case really doesn't make sense. It's not that I haven’t said anything, but I suspect that Kang suddenly became a member of the National Assembly after entering the district of former member Kim Tae-seob, and initially messed up the composition of his staff. That's why there were a lot of changes early on." He continued, “One or two of those were let go for causing trouble and not being able to do their jobs, but they presented it as if it were mistreatment.”
Food columnist Hwang Kyo-ik, who was seated next to him, added, "There are many positive tales, but those do not get reported," and when the production team asked at the end of the broadcast, “Can we air this content?” Yoo replied, "It's fine to air it." The video was released without any editing.
Kang Sun-woo resigns as minister candidate… Controversy continues
Kang was nominated as the first minister of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family under the Yoon Seok-yeol administration, but amidst allegations of mistreatment by staff and a 'budget retaliation' claim raised by former Minister Jeong Yeong-ae, he voluntarily resigned on the 23rd of last month.
In his resignation letter, he stated, "I apologize to the public and am sorry for causing burden to President Lee Jae-myung and the Democratic Party."
Political analysts interpret that Yoo's remarks go beyond simple personal opinions and have acted as a "shield" for the Democratic Party's core supporters and Kang’s side. On the other hand, some argue that "taking speculative remarks from the broadcast to a legal level is excessive."
Image source: Kang Sun-woo, Democratic Party member / News1, Yoo Si-min, writer / YouTube '[Podbbang] Mae Bull Show', News1
