The Democratic Party of Korea criticized Lee Jun-seok, the Reform Party's presidential candidate, for mentioning women's body parts during the third TV debate the day before, calling it "deplorable verbal violence."
Jo Seung-rae, the Democratic Party's chief spokesperson, said at a briefing that morning, "Candidate Lee Jun-seok committed deplorable verbal violence by making unspeakable remarks during a live broadcast debate that children are also watching."
He added, "Candidate Lee Jun-seok's violent behavior is utterly unacceptable," and noted, "However, Candidate Lee Jun-seok shamelessly commented while making a statement today, saying that being young does not equal being without shame."
Candidate Lee Jun-seok is currently embroiled in controversy for using vulgar expressions while mentioning women's body parts during a TV debate hosted by the National Election Commission the previous day.
Candidate Lee Jun-seok asked Kwon Young-guk, the Democratic Labor Party's presidential candidate at the time, whether his comments regarding women's bodies constituted misogyny according to the Democratic Labor Party's standards.
In response, Kwon said, "I don't understand the intent behind such a question. I will not answer it." Then, Lee Jun-seok asked, "Does the Democratic Labor Party have no standards regarding such sexually violent remarks?"
"Chopstick remarks" refer to comments that are presumed to have been posted by Lee Jae-myung's son, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, on an online bulletin board in 2021, as revealed by the Garosero Research Institute's YouTube channel.
As the controversy intensified, Candidate Lee Jun-seok stated on Facebook that day, "During yesterday's TV debate, I sought clarification from the two candidates who have actively expressed their positions on gender discrimination or hatred regarding incredible remarks made by someone online."
He added, "When facing distorted sexual attitudes that constitute sexual crimes, a leader should be able to make a firm evaluation with a resolute attitude regardless of status or closeness in relationships so that the people can feel at ease," and stated, "I cannot help but point out the hypocrisy of the progressive camp that frequently uses the words 'hatred' and 'divide' while remaining silent or turning away from issues within their own ranks."