"Returned in Long Sleeves": Basic Income Party Deputy Spokesperson Issues Public Apology over Tattoo Controversy

"Apologizing for Causing Controversy Over a Personal Matter"
Calls for Improved Societal Perceptions of Tattoos

Kim Jin-seo, deputy spokesperson for the Basic Income Party, who faced controversy for revealing a tattoo on his arm during a press conference explaining allegations surrounding Yong Hyein, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, issued a public apology. However, he also mentioned the "Tattoo Artist Act," which passed the National Assembly last year, and expressed the view that a more progressive discussion is needed regarding societal perceptions of tattoos.

Noh Seoyoung, Supreme Council Member and spokesperson of the Basic Income Party (second from left), along with sub-spokespersons Shin JiHye (left) and Kim Jinseo (center), are explaining the party's position regarding controversies related to Yong Hyein, candidate for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, at the National Assembly Press Center on the 9th. Photo by Yonhap News

On September 9, Basic Income Party spokespersons Shin Ji-hye and No Seoyoung, along with deputy spokesperson Kim, held a press conference at the National Assembly's Communication Hall, rebutting allegations directed at both the nominee Yong Hyein and the party. During the Q&A session with reporters after the briefing, questions were also raised about the controversy over deputy spokesperson Kim’s tattoo exposure at the press conference two days earlier.

Deputy spokesperson Kim said, "I sincerely apologize for unintentionally causing controversy over a personal issue," bowing his head in apology. However, he added, "Since tattoos have been legalized by the National Assembly last year, I hope that more progressive discussions will follow." Unlike the previous press briefing, he wore long sleeves on this day, covering the tattoo on his arm.

Earlier, Deputy Spokesperson Kim attended a press conference held by the Basic Income Party on the 7th at the National Assembly Press Hall, which addressed allegations related to finance and personnel management, dressed in a short-sleeved shirt. At that time, a relatively large floral tattoo on his arm was captured by reporters' cameras. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Previously, on September 7, deputy spokesperson Kim attended the Basic Income Party’s press conference rebutting allegations related to its finances and personnel operations at the National Assembly Communication Room, dressed in a short-sleeve outfit. At the time, a relatively large floral tattoo on his arm was captured by reporters' cameras and the photos quickly spread through social media (SNS), sparking controversy.

Public reactions online were divided. While some argued that, although tattoos are a matter of personal freedom, it would have been appropriate for a party official to conceal them when delivering messages to the public in an official National Assembly press conference. Others countered that politicizing an individual’s body expression is itself obsolete and out of step with the times.

Yong Hyein, the nominee for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, is arriving at the office prepared for the confirmation hearing in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the 7th. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Meanwhile, the issue of nominee Yong holding onto her proportional representative seat in the National Assembly remains controversial. Although the National Assembly Act allows a parliamentarian to serve as a cabinet member concurrently, the usual precedent is for a proportional representative to resign the seat when appointed as a minister, so that the next candidate on the party list can inherit the seat.

On August 31, nominee Yong stated on Facebook that, "If I, the only parliamentary member of the party, resign, the Basic Income Party will face the hardship of becoming a party outside the National Assembly," effectively indicating her intention to retain her seat. She added, "I earnestly ask for your understanding of the difficulties faced by small parties, where the decision of an individual inevitably determines the party’s direction."

The Basic Income Party is also demanding that nominee Yong concurrently serve as minister and parliamentary member. On September 7, spokesperson Shin Ji-hye stated, "From the party's standpoint, we continue to ask nominee Yong to hold both positions," emphasizing, in regard to a proportional representative serving concurrently as a minister, that "new paths must be attempted and challenged to create new precedents."

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