Kim Jin-seo Apologizes for Tattoo Showing at National Assembly Press Conference: “Sorry for Causing Controversy Over a Personal Issue”

[Financial News] Kim Jin-seo, a deputy spokesperson of the Basic Income Party, apologized in response to questions after his arm tattoo was exposed during a press conference rebutting allegations involving Yong Hye-in, a candidate for minister of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, sparking controversy.
On the 9th, Kim Jin-seo said regarding the controversy over the exposed tattoo, "I am sorry that controversy arose over a personal issue unintentionally." He added, "However, since tattoos were legalized by the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea last year, I think I can say that it would be good for more progressive discussions to continue."
Jihye Shin, spokesperson of the Basic Income Party, Noh Seo-young, spokesperson, and Kim Jin-seo held a press conference at the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea’s Communication Hall that day to rebut the allegations surrounding candidate Yong Hye-in.
During additional questions after the briefing, Kim Jin-seo was asked about the controversy over his tattoo showing during the previous press conference. He apologized and attended that day’s event wearing long sleeves rather than short sleeves, covering the tattoo on his arm.
Earlier, the Basic Income Party spokesperson team held a press conference at the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea on the 7th. At the time, the spokesperson team stated its position on controversies inside and outside the party, including the issue of candidate Yong Hye-in simultaneously holding a National Assembly seat and a ministerial post.
Kim Jin-seo attended that press conference wearing short sleeves, and a flower tattoo on his arm was captured by reporters’ cameras. Opinions about Kim Jin-seo’s tattoo subsequently became divided across various online communities and social media platforms.
Some online users criticized him, saying, "Getting a tattoo is a personal choice, but he should have covered it with long sleeves at a place like that" and "How could he openly show a tattoo at an event where he was delivering a message to the public?" Others, however, said, "Is a tattoo on someone’s own body really such a big deal?" and "He should be criticized only on the basis of policy."
Meanwhile, the Basic Income Party spokesperson team met with reporters at the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea that day and responded to criticism that candidate Yong Hye-in was remaining silent about various allegations. The spokesperson team said, "We believe it is more important for her to provide proper answers at the confirmation hearing in order to address, more responsibly and in greater detail, the various issues raised by many citizens and the media."
Questions were also raised about an apparent contradiction between Yong Hye-in’s current response and her criticism three years ago of Kim Haeng, then a candidate for minister of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family (MOGEF), when Yong said the suspension of questions and answers during Kim’s commute to work "could only be interpreted as running away." In response, the spokesperson team stressed, "There is a significant difference between leaving during a confirmation hearing and not returning, and the situation of a candidate who has not yet begun the confirmation hearing."
[email protected] Han Seung-gon Reporter