Lee Jun-seok under fire for misogynistic remarks made during a live televised debate, causing outrage across political and social circles. During Tuesday’s final presidential debate, the Reform Party candidate asked a sexually graphic question to another contender. His language drew immediate condemnation from viewers, lawmakers, and women’s groups nationwide. Many called the comment violent, offensive, and completely inappropriate for national broadcast. Lee Jun-seok under fire for misogynistic remarks quickly became the top headline across social media platforms.
He directed his question at Kwon Young-kook of the progressive Korean Democratic Labor Party, referencing a past scandal involving Lee Jae-myung’s son. “If someone says they want to stick chopsticks into women’s genitals, is that misogyny?” Lee asked. Kwon refused to answer and questioned the purpose of the remark. Lee repeated the question and criticized the party’s standards on sexually violent language. The moment intensified outrage and thrust Lee Jun-seok under fire for misogynistic remarks.
University students protested outside the Reform Party’s Seoul headquarters the next day, demanding Lee’s withdrawal from the presidential race. Women’s groups, including Political Mamas, filed complaints with the National Police Agency over emotional harm and explicit content. More than 37,000 citizens joined the complaint as co-signers. The Korea Women’s Hotline described Lee’s words as violent and unfit for public discourse. Civic groups urged the National Assembly to investigate and take disciplinary action.
Political parties also condemned the statement, calling it the lowest form of hate politics. The Democratic Party labeled it a disgrace and demanded Lee’s resignation and removal from the Assembly. Lawmakers argued his actions disqualified him from public office and national debate. They also demanded he be banned from all future political broadcasts. The backlash continued to grow, keeping Lee Jun-seok under fire for misogynistic remarks throughout the week.
In response, Lee offered a conditional apology but defended the phrasing as necessary to expose hypocrisy. He said the question required bluntness to spark meaningful discussion. On social media, he accused rivals of avoiding hard questions about sexual violence. Lee has long denied structural gender inequality and previously called feminism a “baseless victim ideology.” His comments, however, may have permanently damaged his political credibility.
