Ruling party lawmaker under fire for supporting far-right pastor’s rally

Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun of the ruling Folks Energy Celebration bows deeply to Pastor Jun Kwang-hoon throughout an anti-impeachment rally close to the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul, Sunday. Captured from Jun Kwang-hoon TV on YouTube

Folks Energy Celebration (PPP) Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun has drawn criticism for his outspoken assist of President Yoon Suk Yeol and participation in far-right rallies led by pastor Jun Kwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church. Most lately, the lawmaker was seen bowing at a rally organized by Jun, sparking issues even inside his celebration.

Lawmaker Yoon attended a rally close to the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul, Sunday, the place Jun, a vocal opponent of impeachment efforts in opposition to the president, lauded him from the stage, saying, “You would possibly turn into president if you happen to preserve this up.”

The lawmaker responded with a 90-degree bow. Jun, who has led rallies defending Yoon’s controversial emergency martial legislation declaration, criticized the ruling celebration for its lack of unity, to which lawmaker Yoon replied, “I’m sorry,” bowing once more.

This isn’t the primary time the lawmaker has appeared at Jun’s rallies. On Dec. 28, he attended an indication in Gwanghwamun and apologized with a full bow for failing to dam the president’s impeachment movement.

Critics say that it’s inappropriate for a senior lawmaker from a conservative celebration, which emphasizes the rule of legislation, to affiliate with extremist rallies.

The ruling celebration beforehand distanced itself from Jun. Final 12 months, former celebration Supreme Council member Kim Jae-won confronted a one-year suspension from the celebration for praising Jun and his affect on the conservative motion.

Regardless of this precedent, no motion has been taken in opposition to lawmaker Yoon for repeated appearances at Jun’s rallies, elevating questions in regards to the celebration’s consistency.

Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun of the Folks Energy Celebration kneels in a deep bow throughout a rally organized by the Korea Straightening Motion close to Gwanghwamun, Seoul, Dec. 28. Captured from Jun Kwang-hoon TV on YouTube

Even throughout the celebration, dissenting voices have emerged. Former PPP lawmaker Kim Sung-tae criticized lawmakers attending Jun’s rallies on Thursday, calling it “opportunistic conduct that fuels division and discord.”

He warned of lasting repercussions for the celebration. In distinction, the celebration management has maintained that participation within the rallies is a matter of non-public alternative and poses no difficulty.

This text from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Instances, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Instances.