Ahn Cheol-soo, the candidate for the leadership of the People Power Party, directly criticized the Democratic Party with a photo of ‘Jeonguibong.’
On the 16th, Candidate Ahn posted a message on his SNS stating, "For those who defend Lee Jae-myung's betrayal of the nation, Jeonguibong is weak," along with a photo of ‘Jeonguibong.’
The 'Jeonguibong' is a 40 cm wooden stick that was used by Park Gi-seo to kill Ahn Du-hee, the assassin of Kim Gu, and is reported to have the words ‘Jeonguibong’ engraved on it.
This statement came in response to criticisms from the Democratic Party regarding Candidate Ahn's silent protest at the 80th Liberation Day ceremony held on the 15th. At that time, Candidate Ahn held up a banner stating 'Opposition to the pardoning of Cho Kuk and Yoon Mi-hyang,’ maintaining a stern expression during President Lee Jae-myung's congratulatory speech.
Despite the officials from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety urging him to cease the protest, Ahn continued until the end of the congratulatory speech. He later stated on Facebook, "Unless President Lee Jae-myung suddenly borrows a huge amount of money from the couple, are we to believe that on the 80th anniversary of liberation, he would grant a joint pardon to the couple and even offer a ministerial position to their spokesperson?" criticizing sharply.
Intensification of verbal exchanges between the Democratic Party and the People Power Party
In response, the Democratic Party strongly countered, stating that Ahn had engaged in a "political show utilizing the Liberation Day ceremony for the party leadership election."
In particular, Democratic Party spokesperson Baek Seung-a directly hit back, saying, "Why did those who had the courage to insult the event with picketing, sit-ins, and absurd claims remain silent and bow down in front of Yoon Seok-yeol and Kim Kun-hee?"
Additionally, the Democratic Party criticized, “It is an act that tarnished the occasion of recalling the independent hero and the spirit of the era for political ambitions,” stating that "the People Power Party, which condoned and supported martial law and insurrection, resembles pro-Japanese collaborators shaking the national flag after liberation."
As the verbal exchanges surrounding the Liberation Day event escalate, Candidate Ahn's 'Jeonguibong' remarks are intensifying the political conflict.
This controversy surrounding the pardoning and the protest during the Liberation Day event is expected to have a significant impact on the future political landscape.
Image source: Ahn Cheol-soo’s Facebook, Ahn Cheol-soo, candidate for the People Power Party leadership / News1
