"Kimhae has a lot of red people"..."I won't apologize" after the controversy.

Gimhae City Council homepage

Two members of Gimhae City Council in South Gyeongsang Province, a member of the People's Power, are controversial in their remarks at a rally against the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, claiming that "the Gimhae Sea has a lot of red people."

According to a Yonhap News report on the 21st, Rep. Lee Mi-ae, chairman of the Gimhae City Council, and Rep. Kim Yoo-sang, floor leader of the city council's People's Power, took the podium at the rally held in Changwon on the 19th and said, "There are many reds in Gimhae. That's why it's quite difficult to do parliamentary activities." and "To unleash the power of our free, right-wing Korean patriotism in Gimhae, which was said to be red...." made remarks such as

In particular, Rep. Lee posted a video on his social media account.

In response, Gimhae citizens protested. The Gimhae City Council's website, "I hope to the council," was flooded with complaints from citizens, such as "I can no longer stand by the word red," "Citizens are being ridiculed," and "Two city council members should make an open apology in front of the city hall."

One citizen criticized, "Don't insult many people who love Gimhae, and don't insult Gimhae citizens who pay their taxes and work hard for regional development."

Local politicians and civil society organizations are also continuing to criticize.

Kim Jung-ho (Kim Hae-eul), a lawmaker of the Democratic Party of Korea, issued a statement saying, "Politicians who have promoted conflicts among the people with irresponsible remarks should be held politically and legally responsible." Local civil society organizations, such as the Democratic Party of Korea and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, also announced a press conference criticizing the city council members.

In this regard, Rep. Lee Mi-ae said, "At that time, a participant at the rally shouted, 'There are many reds in the Sea of Gimhae,' and came to speak as if complaining," adding, "What did the red remarks do wrong?" "I think the public or citizens will judge this remark, and I don't think there is any reason to apologize at this time," he said.

Representative Kim Yoo-sang is not answering the phone, Yonhap News reported.