Political Leaders Condemn YouTuber’s Call for ‘Tank’ Action Against Online Group
A recent statement by a prominent YouTube channel host, suggesting that members of an online community should be “pushed over with a tank,” has ignited a sharp political debate. Lee Jun-seok, a leading political figure, has asserted that such rhetoric crosses a line and violates principles of consistency and conscience.
Critique of Presidential Silence
The controversy escalated as Lee Jun-seok criticized President Lee Jae-myung’s silence on the matter. He questioned why the President has not addressed the provocative “tank” comments originating from a pro-government YouTube channel, especially in light of the President’s own public actions, such as boycotting Starbucks following a “Tank Day” event.
The “Tank” Remark and its Context
In a video released on the 6th, Choi Wook, the host of the YouTube channel ‘Mae-bul Show,’ stated, “We must definitively ban ‘Ilbe’ members from the system.” He elaborated, “If we keep letting them be, it becomes entertainment, culture, and comes into the open.” Choi Wook further added, “What they revere in their own way is Chun Doo-hwan. We must push over that level of banning with a tank.”
Further Calls for Control
During the same broadcast, Professor Jung Joon-hee from Hanyang University, referencing figures like Lee Myung-bak and Chun Doo-hwan, addressed some younger individuals within the ‘2030’ demographic. He claimed, “They have no framework. No framework for thinking.” He emphasized, “It is absolutely necessary to use collective force through legal means.” Professor Jung also stated, “Instead of trying to persuade them reasonably, they must be suppressed by power. By law and system.”
Lee Jun-seok’s Response and Interpretation
Reacting to these statements, Lee Jun-seok commented on the varying sensitivities people might have to the word “tank.” He acknowledged that for some, the term might evoke the Gwangju Uprising and cause distress, while for others, it might be a casual meme. However, he insisted on the need for consistency in such discourse.
Lee Jun-seok argued that the statement, “We must push them over with a tank like Chun Doo-hwan,” is a matter that the President and ruling party politicians should actively address, potentially by instigating boycotts and dismissals.
