1. Introduction to the text
This article discusses the growing controversy surrounding the comments made by Yoo Si-min, the former chairman of the People’s Participatory Party, about the wife of Kim Moon-soo, the presidential candidate of the People’s Party. It also covers the response of Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea’s presidential candidate, to the accusations of his son’s involvement in the martial law comments.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning | Contextual Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 후보 | Hudogja | Candidate | 이재명 더불어민주당 대통령 후보가 30일 오후 충북 충주시 충주체육관 시계탑광장에서 열린 유세에 도착하고 있다. |
| 했다 | Haetda | Did | 이 후보는 지난 12일 6·3 대선 선거운동이 시작된 뒤 ‘정치 보복은 없다’는 입장을 거듭 밝혔었다. |
| 이날 | Irnal | That day | 그런데 사전 투표 마지막 날이자 본투표를 나흘 앞둔 이날 전례 없이 강한 어조로 비상계엄 동조자에 대한 특검 수사를 강조하고 나왔다. |
| 이재명 | Ijae-myeong | Lee Jae-myung | 이재명 더불어민주당 대통령 후보가 30일 오후 충북 충주시 충주체육관 시계탑광장에서 열린 유세에 도착하고 있다. |
| 대한 | Daehan | Korea | 이재명 더불어민주당 대통령 후보가 30일 오후 충북 충주시 충주체육관 시계탑광장에서 열린 유세에 도착하고 있다. |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
이재명 더불어민주당 대통령 후보가 30일 오후 충북 충주시 충주체육관 시계탑광장에서 열린 유세에 도착하고 있다. 이 후보는 지난 12일 6·3 대선 선거운동이 시작된 뒤 ‘정치 보복은 없다’는 입장을 거듭 밝혔었다.
Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea’s presidential candidate, arrived at the rally held at the Chungju Stadium clock tower square in Chungju City, Chungbuk Province, on the afternoon of the 30th. The candidate had repeatedly stated that there would be ‘no political retaliation’ since the start of the June 3 presidential election campaign on the 12th.
그런데 사전 투표 마지막 날이자 본투표를 나흘 앞둔 이날 전례 없이 강한 어조로 비상계엄 동조자에 대한 특검 수사를 강조하고 나왔다. 이에 대해 이준석 후보는 “많은 국민이 이미 아들이 단 그 댓글의 실체를 알고 있는데, 도대체 무엇이 허위 사실이라는 것이냐”고 했다.
However, on that day, which was the last day of early voting and four days before the main election, he emphasized the need for a special prosecutor’s investigation into those who had supported the declaration of martial law, using an unprecedented strong tone. In response, candidate Lee Jun-seok said, “Many citizens already know the reality of the comments made by his son, so what exactly is the false information?”
이 후보는 이날 유시민 전 이사장의 김문수 후보 아내 설난영씨 비하 논란에 대해서는 별다른 입장을 밝히지 않았다. 유 전 이사장에 대한 비판은 좌우 진영을 가리지 않고 쏟아졌다. 김문수 후보는 페이스북에서 아내 설씨에 대해 “위대한 사랑과 헌신으로 저와 가족을 지킨 훌륭한 사람”이라며 “인생에서 갈 수 있는 자리가 따로 있고 갈 수 없는 자리가 따로 있나.
On that day, the candidate did not express any particular stance on the controversy surrounding Yoo Si-min, the former chairman’s disparaging remarks about the wife of Kim Moon-soo, the presidential candidate of the People’s Party. Criticism of Yoo poured in from both the left and right wings. Kim Moon-soo posted on Facebook that his wife, Ms. Seol, is “an excellent person who has protected me and my family with great love and dedication,” and questioned whether there are places in life that one can and cannot go.
4. Reading comprehension questions
- What was the focus of Lee Jae-myung’s remarks at the rally on the 30th?
- How did Lee Jun-seok respond to Lee Jae-myung’s comments about his son’s involvement?
- What was Lee Jae-myung’s stance on the controversy surrounding Yoo Si-min’s remarks about Kim Moon-soo’s wife?
- How did Kim Moon-soo defend his wife in response to Yoo Si-min’s comments?
- What was the timing of Lee Jae-myung’s strong remarks, in relation to the election schedule?
5. Cultural and historical notes
The controversy surrounding the comments made by Yoo Si-min, a prominent political commentator, and the response from the presidential candidates reflect the highly polarized political climate in South Korea. The accusations and counter-accusations highlight the intense competition and tensions within the country’s political landscape as the election approaches.