Ex-Shinsegae chairman angers Ewha students
Shinsegae Group adviser Koo Hak-su has come under fire for disparaging the candlelit rallies and Korean women during a recent lecture at Ewha Womans University.
The former Shinsegae chairman criticized Koreans’ opposition toward a controversial sex slavery deal with Japan as well, according to students and officials, Thursday.
The 71-year-old businessman made such controversial remarks at a lecture hosted by the Seoul-based university’s business school. It regularly invites famed businesspeople for such lectures.
“Plato did not accept mob rule as democracy 2,400 years ago,” he reportedly said, citing the ancient Greek philosopher. “The administration changed by candlelight is a democracy ruled by foolish mobs.”
According to students, the adviser denigrated Korean women as well, saying, “Korea is the only country where groups of women visit golf courses during the day. Even in hotel restaurants it’s all women.”
Furthermore, the ex-chairman reportedly criticized the request for renegotiation of the 2015 wartime sex slavery agreement with Japan.
“Unlike Japan, Korea has often reversed its decisions,” he said, according to students. “Korean people urge the government to revise the deal which was agreed upon by the two countries’ ministers.”
During the waning days of 2015, the former administration headed by the ousted President Park Geun-hye hastily signed an agreement with Japan for unknown reasons despite strong public opposition. Under the pact, Korea received 1 billion yen ($8.8 million) from Japan.
President Moon Jae-in, who took office this month, has voiced his opposition to the disputed agreement.
In response to a student’s complaint during the lecture, Koo reportedly said, “Each person’s opin- ion can be different. Why do you complain about my personal opinion?”
As angry students walked out of the classroom, the address finished 10 minutes earlier than originally planned.
After Koo’s remarks went viral via Ewha students’ online community, the adviser delivered his written apology late Wednesday to Kim Seong-kook, dean of Ewha’s business school. The school posted his apology.
“I apologize to students and Ewha School of Business for unintentionally causing misunderstandings and hurting their hearts,” Koo said.
The dean promised to dismiss Koo as special lecturer and try to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
Shinsegae declined to comment on the issue, saying the former chief left its management long ago.
Shinsegae is a conglomerate owning subsidiaries such as Shinsegae Department Store and discount chain E-mart. Late last year, it attracted attention by opening Starfield Hanam southeast of Seoul as a shopping-themed entertainment park.