Total lack of self-reflection

Main opposition party to blame for candidates' absurd remarks

The leadership of the largest opposition United Future Party (UFP) apologized Thursday for absurd remarks by Cha Myung-jin, one of its candidates in the upcoming April 15 general election. “Fellow citizens, we are very sorry for disappointing and angering you,” said Kim Chong-in, chief of the party's election committee. UFP leader Hwang Kyo-ahn also bowed his head, saying, “I offer my sincere apology to you.”

During a TV debate Wednesday, Cha said that a bereaved family member of a victim of the 2014 ferry disaster allegedly committed indecent acts with a supporter inside a protest tent in the heart of Seoul, citing a peripheral media report. It is more than deplorable how a person can be so brazen and shameless as well as utterly devoid of decency. The UFP's response may appear to be swift and resolute. However, the conservative party should realize its past leniency toward such ludicrous acts is behind the recent series of gaffes and blunders.

The latest incident should have been fully expected when the party nominated Cha to run for election in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province. In April last year, Cha said, “These bereaved family members have squeezed out the last drop of benefits from the deaths of the Sewol ferry victims.” Despite the nominating panel's avowal to exclude applicants hurling rough words, Cha was resurrected through a preliminary. Party leader Hwang cannot avoid responsibility for the situation by dragging his feet in disciplining party members who make problematic remarks and are involved in this sort of misbehavior. Voters will find it hard to trust Hwang's real intentions behind the ostensible apology.

At the heart of the ongoing affairs are the UFP's regressive practices, which have not changed a bit from the days of ousted former President Park Geun-hye. Since the unprecedented impeachment of a sitting president, the party has put forth slogans like “new conservatives” and “change and innovation.” However, a series of reckless remarks by its candidates shows that the party has not changed at all. Without a modicum of self-reflection or demonstrating innovative visions, the conservative party is asking for votes just to rebuke the government and the ruling party. This is a moment for the UFP to look upon itself with a cool head.