Kim Jin-seo issues formal apology

'Since tattoos are legal, more progressive discussion should follow'

Kim Jin-seo, deputy spokesperson of the Basic Income Party, at a press conference Wednesday (left), and showing a tattoo on her arm at a press conference Monday. (Newsis)
Kim Jin-seo, deputy spokesperson of the Basic Income Party, at a press conference Wednesday (left), and showing a tattoo on her arm at a press conference Monday. (Newsis)

Kim Jin-seo, deputy spokesperson of the Basic Income Party, bowed in apology, saying she felt sorry, after a tattoo on her arm sparked controversy. She had shown the tattoo during a press conference addressing allegations surrounding Yong Hye-in, the nominee for minister of gender equality and family.

However, she also said that tattoos are now legal in the country and that a more progressive discussion is needed on the issue.

Political circles said Thursday that Basic Income Party spokespersons Shin Ji-hye and Noh Seo-young, along with Deputy Spokesperson Kim, held a press conference at the National Assembly press hall on Wednesday. They rebuffed allegations raised against Yong and the party.

That day, Kim wore long sleeves, apparently mindful of the tattoo controversy that had erupted after her press conference two days earlier.

After the briefing, when asked about the tattoo during a question-and-answer session with reporters, Kim apologized, saying, "I feel sorry that this personal matter unintentionally caused controversy."

She added, "Since tattoos were legalized in the National Assembly last year, I hope this can lead to a more progressive discussion."

Earlier, Kim had attended a Monday press conference at the National Assembly press hall, where the Basic Income Party rebuffed allegations over its fiscal and personnel management, wearing short sleeves. Reporters' cameras then captured a relatively large flower tattoo on the inside of her arm.

The photo then spread through social media and SNS. It sparked criticism over whether it was appropriate for a party official to show a tattoo during an official press conference addressed to the public.


jshan@heraldcorp.com