Broadcaster Defends Judicial Role Amidst Public Scrutiny
Broadcaster Lee Hyuk-jae has issued a statement addressing the controversy surrounding his appointment as a judge for the People Power Party’s youth audition for proportional regional council members. Lee, who has faced public criticism on multiple occasions, including a widely reported assault incident in 2010, asserted his commitment to accountability.
On the 26th, Lee attended the final stage of the audition at the People Power Party’s headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul. He expressed his awareness of the public’s mixed reactions, stating, “Today, I stand here humbly embracing both the concerns and expectations directed toward me.”
He reflected on his past career, acknowledging the immense public support he once enjoyed as a broadcaster and entertainer. “When I was the same age as the challengers behind me, I was a broadcaster and entertainer receiving unimaginable public love,” Lee remarked. “I also experienced losing all that glory in an instant due to a single mistake.” He went on to articulate his personal philosophy regarding responsibility: “As a citizen, I fulfilled my legal responsibilities, and as an entertainer who received public affection, I lived up to my moral responsibilities.”
Lee also shared a personal perspective on the impact of his past mistakes on his family. He revealed that his two sons, who were young at the time of his controversies, never harbored resentment. “My two sons, who were young at the time, never once resented their father’s mistakes,” he stated. “Sixteen years have passed, and both my sons have completed their sacred military service. Now, in their 20s, they are healthy young adults working as members of society in South Korea.”
A Philosophy of Second Chances
Central to Lee’s defense is his belief in the possibility of redemption and the importance of providing opportunities for those who have faltered. “Anyone can fail, but not everyone can rise again after failure,” he emphasized. He further articulated this sentiment by stating, “I believe my beloved homeland, the free Republic of Korea, should be a country of opportunity where young people who have failed can stand up again.” Lee pledged to leverage his life experiences for the evaluation process, promising, “I will pour everything I’ve learned from my successes, failures, and lifelong struggles into today’s evaluation.”
Addressing Criticism and Shifting Focus
Lee acknowledged that criticism is likely to persist. “Criticism toward me will likely continue,” he conceded. “I will accept it with humility every time.” However, he appealed for a shift in focus during the audition, urging, “For today, please turn the camera’s gaze to the youth who prepared for this moment.”
Addressing the young participants directly, Lee offered words of encouragement. “Young people, you can fail. You can make mistakes,” he said. Drawing inspiration from a well-known global brand, he concluded, “I will substitute my words today with Nike’s global slogan: ‘Just Do It.’ Please showcase everything you can do here. I will listen humbly and support your challenges to the best of my ability.”
The Audition Panel and Past Controversies
Lee was appointed as one of five judges for the People Power Party’s “Proportional Youth Audition for Regional Council Members,” an event organized in anticipation of the June 3 local elections. The judging panel comprised several notable figures:
- Kang Myoung-gu, the party’s organizational deputy leader.
- Rep. Jo Ji-yeon, head of talent recruitment.
- Song Seok-woo, a short track speed skating gold medalist.
- Jeong Jun-ha, director of external cooperation at the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprise.
- Kim Chae-su, central student committee chair.
- Lee Hyuk-jae.
The controversy surrounding Lee’s appointment stems from several past incidents:
- 2010 Assault Incident: Lee halted his entertainment career following an assault at a room salon.
- 2024 Tax Delinquency: He was identified as a high-value tax delinquent, owing over 200 million Korean won.
- Debt-Related Disputes and Alleged Fraud: Lee has also faced legal challenges related to debt and has been sued for alleged fraud.
Audition Process and Transparency
The People Power Party is set to evaluate 64 candidates who successfully navigated the preliminary voting stages. A significant number of applicants, totaling 91,413 individuals, participated in the audition process. The final round is scheduled to take place on the 28th at ASSA Studio in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. The party has emphasized its commitment to operating the audition as an inclusive platform, stating, “We will operate this as an open political participation platform where all citizens can engage and observe transparently.”
