The Basic Income Party held a press conference to directly rebuff controversy over lawmaker Yong Hye-in's push to hold both her National Assembly seat and her post as nominee for minister of gender equality and family. But an unexpected debate over decorum erupted online after a tattoo was spotted on the arm of a party official who appeared at the official briefing.
Basic Income Party spokesperson Shin Ji-hye, spokesperson Noh Seo-young and deputy spokesperson Kim Jin-seo held a press conference at the National Assembly press hall in Yeouido on Monday to respond to political attacks surrounding the party, including the controversy over Yong's dual role.
Shin defended Yong's position, saying, "A new path only creates precedent when someone dares to take it first," and added, "There is excessive criticism and bias underlying this, directed at proportional representative lawmakers and young female lawmakers."
She continued, "The nomination of candidate Yong is the fruit of coalition politics pursued for gender equality and a dignified life," and said, "Please see this as a new attempt to pool strength for the achievements of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family under the Lee Jae Myung administration."
Separate from the substance of the press conference, a tattoo on deputy spokesperson Kim's arm caught the camera's attention, setting off back-and-forth debate online. Kim wore a short-sleeved jacket that revealed a floral tattoo on the arm.
Some online users questioned the appropriateness of the clothing and demeanor. They said, "This is the first time I've seen a deputy spokesperson of a parliamentary party show a tattoo at an official event," "In a country where most people dislike tattoos, a political party member who needs to win the public's votes acting like that shows a lack of basic consideration for the public," and "The tattoo itself isn't the problem, but shouldn't they have worn long sleeves for an occasion like that?"
Others argued there was no need to take issue with a tattoo shown at an official event. They said, "Isn't this a sign of the will to fight social prejudice?" "Pointing out something like this feels condescending," and "Is a tattoo really a problem? It's fine to have one."
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Meanwhile, Yong has stuck to her position of holding both her proportional-representation Assembly seat and the ministerial post, drawing controversy over privilege and fairness.
Allegations have also been raised over a "self-appointment" controversy involving the naming of her spouse, Basic Income Party Supreme Council member Park Ki-hong, to a key party post; a controversy over her receipt of government subsidies; concerns that the Basic Income Party has become a personal fiefdom; the party's proportional-representation nomination process; and a so-called "underground organization."
Regarding the controversy surrounding Yong, Minister of Planning and Budget Park Hong-keun said, "I understand there are also criticisms among young people that she may be receiving excessive benefits," and added, "As a young politician herself, there are also comments that she should consider that sentiment."
bbo@heraldcorp.com
