‘Familiar Looking’.... Lee Jeong-hyeon of the People Power Party's Field Jacket Controversy
Lee Jeong-hyeon, head of the People Power Party's nomination management committee, faced controversy over wearing a military-style field jacket to a meeting, leading to accusations of glorifying military rule.
On the 20th, Lee Jeong-hyeon, the head of the nomination management committee of the People Power Party, attended a meeting wearing a khaki field jacket reminiscent of military uniforms, stirring public debate. Democratic Party spokesperson Seong Chi-hoon criticized Lee's outfit, suggesting that it symbolically supported military rule, especially considering its timing following a controversial ruling related to former President Yoon Suk-yeol. Seong argued that political attire conveys messages, and Lee's choice to wear such a jacket could be interpreted as a signal of alignment with the political sentiments of those who supported Yoon's controversial policies.
During the nomination committee meeting, which occurred at the People Power Party's headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, Lee addressed the need for a fresh start regarding nominations for the upcoming local elections. However, the outfit overshadowed his message, leading to further scrutiny. Seong pointed out that Lee has a history associated with former President Park Geun-hye, who faced impeachment, and suggested that in wearing the jacket, Lee was subtly signaling his support for Yoon's stance on past events, including the impeachment.
In response to the backlash, Lee took to Facebook the following day to clarify his choice of attire, explaining that the field jacket is suitable for crisis situations and functions as workwear for those in the field. He criticized the focus on his clothing, suggesting that it distracted from the serious discussions intended for the meeting. This incident not only highlights the continued impact of past political events on current political figures in South Korea but also opens up discussions about the symbolism inherent in politicians' clothing choices and the messages they convey to the public.