"How Can You Laugh?" Basic Income Party Faces Criticism for Attitude While Addressing 'Family Party' Controversy

Official Rebuttal to Yong Hyein Controversy on September 7
Shin Ji-hye and Noh Seoyoung Face Public Criticism for Smiling During Explanation

The leadership of the Basic Income Party is facing public criticism after displaying a lighthearted attitude, even smiling, while addressing the controversy over candidate Yong Hyein’s so-called ‘Family Party’ issue.

The leadership of the Basic Income Party, who came forward to clarify candidate Yong Hyein's 'Family Party' controversy, has fueled the controversy by showing a lighthearted attitude, even smiling during the explanation process. TV Chosun YouTube video capture

Shin Ji-hye, the newly appointed senior official of the Basic Income Party, responded to the criticism surrounding candidate Yong on September 7. Smiling during the party’s official rebuttal, she stated, “I believe there are certainly prejudices against proportional representation lawmakers and excessive criticism faced by young female lawmakers,” adding, “New paths must always be challenged and attempted in order for new precedents to be set.”

Addressing claims that candidate Yong should choose between giving up her proportional representation seat and declining the ministerial post, Shin explained, “The party’s position is that we are asking candidate Yong Hyein to serve concurrently,” and continued, “Since the Blue House has also expressed a desire for the candidate to fully explain and persuade the public during the confirmation hearing, as far as I know, she is preparing diligently for the hearing.”

Shin was also criticized for her light attitude during the explanation, as she smiled and made eye contact with spokesperson Noh Seoyoung, who was present at the scene.

Yoon Heeseok, former senior spokesperson of the People Power Party, commented on a broadcast regarding Shin’s explanation, saying, “She is using all sorts of nice words,” and continued, “They claim to want to persuade the public, but apparently, they are the only ones unaware that such persuasion will not succeed at the hearing.” He further criticized, “It typically sounds like, ‘We are a minority and the underdog, we have our logic, so why are you interfering?’ Even as people raise concerns about inequality and unfairness, the party is presenting this attitude and expression to the public—how could this possibly help the party’s future?”

There is also a flood of criticism online targeting the Basic Income Party leadership's demeanor. Some netizens found the logic behind the explanation unconvincing, and pointed out that it was inappropriate for the leaders to smile while addressing such a serious matter.

Netizens who watched the video commented critically, saying, “This controversy is serious, so how can they be smiling?” “Is politics a joke to them?” “The attitude and tone of those two on screen were truly the worst. The public is filled with anger and disappointment, yet they are laughing—how can that be justified?” “There is nothing more left to say.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.