Chairman Chung Dong-young’s Statement Disregarding the Elderly Voters

The statement of Chung Dong-young, a chairman of the Uri Party, disregarding the voting right of those older than 60 years of age, is arousing adverse criticism.

“Voters older than 60 years of age do not need to vote (in this general election),” Chung said at the press conference with VJ team of Kukmin Ilbo reporters for the general election at Daegu Grand Hotel on March 26. “They can rest at home (in the day of the general election).”

Regarding the question, “Please give young voters some advice on politics,” Chung answered, “The young was there at the center of the candlelight gathering, and the future is the twenties and thirties.” He said, “When we think a step further, they do not need to decide the future, because they will disappear in the future.”

After his statement was knowned on April 1, critical comments came snowing in on the Internet site of the press, some citizen groups asked an apology saying, “It was not a prudent statement.”

“My statement was to encourage people in their twenties and thirties to vote because they tend not to vote in spite of high interest in politics,” said Chung, who started to campaign for Honam district. He apologized immediately saying, “I apologize if someone felt uneasy due to my statement.”

Chung visited the West House of the Elderly at Janghueng, Chunnam and apologized to the elderly voters, with a deep bow.

Young-Chan Yoon Hoon Lee yyc11@donga.com dreamland@donga.com