Despite causing an uproar by targeting Kim Ou-joon, Kwak Sang-eon remained unfazed. The controversy surrounding his actions sparked a series of debates within the political sphere. Rep. Park Hee-seung, a member of the same party, criticized the push for an insurrection special tribunal and later apologized, but he retorted, “Why should I apologize, and to whom?” In response to hardline criticism that “Roh Moo-hyun chose the wrong son-in-law,” he smiled and said, “I don’t think it’s their place to judge.”
The conflict continued even during the holiday. “YouTube power effectively campaigns for specific candidates by fixing their appearances or creating special programming. They might have exchanged election consulting fees. …This is essentially using politics for profit, which could escalate into criminal legal issues.”
A long rosary hung in his office. “I’m not a believer, but I enjoy reading scriptures. I’ve read so many Buddhist scriptures that I’ve become somewhat disrespectful, haha!” Though he follows a “my way” style without regard for internal or external party opinions, he admitted, “I hesitated a bit about this interview with Chosun.”
Did He Enter Politics Easily Thanks to Roh Moo-hyun?
-You must have suffered from malicious comments after criticizing Kim Ou-joon’s power, who is said to be as influential as the president.
“The intensity wasn’t as high as expected. Instead, I received many supportive calls. Messages of support from incumbent lawmakers and ordinary citizens far outweighed the criticism.”
-There was a question: “Why, suddenly, Kwak Sang-eon?”
“This is an issue I’ve thought about since before entering politics. One Sunday, while having lunch with my daughters, I saw an article shared by an acquaintance that resonated with my views, so I briefly posted a note of agreement.”
-You must have anticipated the backlash.
“If I had known the reaction would be this strong, I would have canceled all appointments and written a longer, more detailed post (laughs).”
-Rep. Choi Min-hee countered that there’s no problem with politicians appearing on popular YouTube channels to raise their visibility.
“It’s like pointing out the dangers of alcohol and then being asked, ‘Why is it a problem if drinking makes people happy?’ If alcohol were only enjoyable, what harm could it do?”
-Lawyer No Young-hee said, “Why is Kwak Sang-eon, who does nothing, suddenly inserting himself into this timing?”
“If you don’t appear on YouTube or don’t bother them, they arbitrarily label you as someone who does nothing. No politician or lawmaker does absolutely nothing. In a collectivized political environment, there are only politicians who use YouTube and those who don’t.”
-There was also a comment: “Kwak Sang-eon entered politics easily thanks to Roh Moo-hyun and hasn’t experienced the harshness from the ground up.”
“I am the second-most surveilled person by the NIS solely because I’m Roh Moo-hyun’s son-in-law. The fact that I wasn’t caught in any of that surveillance means I’ve lived a socially isolated and painful life. Five years ago, when I went to the nomination review committee for my first general election, they asked, ‘How dare Roh Moo-hyun’s family run for office?’ It wasn’t long ago when mocking Roh Moo-hyun was called a national sport. And yet, am I supposed to have entered politics easily?”
YouTube Power That Shook the Party Leadership Election
-Why is the power of YouTube problematic?
“It has already infringed on the party system and distorted electoral functions. It controls and restricts politicians’ activities using subscriber counts and views.”
-Does YouTube power influence elections and nominations?
“They flex their influence by intervening in intra-factional elections. Didn’t we witness this in the recent party leadership elections of both major parties? In the People Power Party, the candidate who was in last place rose to first in a month with Han Cheol-soo’s explicit support. Han said, ‘The person who chooses me will become the leader.’”
-Having many subscribers and influence isn’t something to be criticized.
“True. The core issue is using this influence to intervene in politics and elections. ‘I’ll make your candidate win—what’s wrong with that?’ There’s nothing worse. Sometimes, agendas set by YouTube power are directly brought into the party and the National Assembly. This distorts party politics.”
-You also criticized that YouTube, which should entertain politics, is turning into a business of politics and a way to profit from politicians.
“Politicians appear to raise their visibility, but in reality, they are victims exploited for YouTube’s commercial ads and financial gain. Can you imagine KBS or MBC inviting specific politicians and saying, ‘Try this product’?”
-Do you think YouTube should be regulated?
“If it functions like established media, regulations should follow. Traditional media at least claim neutrality and do fact-checking. Political YouTube channels, which openly broadcast partisan content, often inject one-sided information without minimal fact verification.”
Unchecked Power
-You also appeared on Kim Ou-joon’s YouTube channel during your time as a lawyer.
“There was a time when Kim Ou-joon’s broadcast served as an alternative media with positive functions. It made complex political issues accessible and entertaining. But as his power grew too strong, he lost that function.”
-It’s said that 65 Democratic Party lawmakers haven’t appeared on Kim Ou-joon’s YouTube. Even if they appear, their visibility and donations surge.
“That’s why I don’t go. I don’t know about other lawmakers, but I’d rather lose an election than ride on that wave. That’s just my personality.”
-You attached a post titled “Religion’s Involvement in Politics” to your Facebook criticism of Kim Ou-joon.
“YouTube has grown into an unchecked power. It demonizes opposing views while claiming its own are the only truth, effectively religiousizing itself. We must put a stop to the exploitation of citizens for the benefit of specific factions and individuals.”
-Did your abstention in last year’s vote on the impeachment motion against prosecutors strain your relationship with YouTube power?
“I’ll address that separately later. However, I am someone who quickly reflects on mistakes and never admits to things I didn’t do.”
-Did Kim Ou-joon’s side protest?
“I haven’t received any direct contact.”
-Weren’t you close?
“It has nothing to do with personal relationships. And is it okay if a close friend does something wrong (laughs)?”
Why Flower Fields Are Beautiful
-Some say your criticism of YouTube power reminds them of former President Roh Moo-hyun.
“I may have been influenced by him in many ways, but I didn’t make those remarks with him in mind.”
-Critic Lee Dong-hyung quoted a comment, ‘Roh Moo-hyun chose the wrong son-in-law,’ and insisted you wouldn’t receive a nomination in the next election.
“It could be a warning not to act recklessly or advice to face reality. However, I hope people stop consuming and distorting Roh Moo-hyun for their own gain. Returning him to his rightful place is one reason I entered politics.”
-Does this mean you’re criticizing how Roh Moo-hyun is used only when needed?
“Moon Jae-in, Yoon Suk-yeol, and Chung Chung-rae all say they respect Roh Moo-hyun. But the Roh Moo-hyun I knew was someone who tried to adhere to the basics of politics—consistent and restrained politics. If they truly respected him, their politics should reflect that.”
-Your book Kwak Sang-eon’s Perspective includes an essay titled ‘Flower Field,’ which says flowers shouldn’t be plucked just because they differ in shape or color.
“A field with only one type of flower isn’t a flower field. The same applies to politics. Trying to control everyone’s language and thoughts under one ideology suppresses freedom of conscience.”
-The country was in turmoil over the abolition of the prosecution service and the insurrection special tribunal.
“I’m not on the Legislation and Judiciary Committee (laughs).”
-You must strongly support prosecution reform.
“Design the system to align with the organization’s essence—in a way that resolves abuse of investigative power and benefits the people. To borrow a YouTuber’s mockery: I wonder how sincere those who’ve never faced a prosecution investigation and ‘entered politics easily and comfortably’ are when they call for reform.”
-Should Chief Justice Jo Hee-de be impeached?
“Based on media reports so far, I’m not sure (whether it meets impeachment grounds).”
-The Legislation and Judiciary Committee’s deadlock drew public criticism.
“As a lawyer, I’ve seen judges conduct trials rudely. Once, I stood up and protested, ‘Is this how trials are conducted?’ The judge replied, ‘Where is it written that trials shouldn’t be conducted this way?’ It’s a similar situation, haha!”
Politics for Others
-Do you often visit Bongha Village?
“As often as a son-in-law typically visits his in-laws.”
-You have big ears. Do you listen well to others?
“The character for ‘sage’ (聖) includes ‘ear’ (耳) and ‘mouth’ (口). A sage is someone who listens first and speaks later. I try to live by that, considering my big ears a reminder to listen first.”
-You wrote in your book, ‘A leader is someone who dreams others’ dreams.’
“This is a consistent theme in Confucian texts from the Analects to Wang Yangming. Whether as president or party leader, if one prioritizes the people’s interests over political gain, the nation will thrive. Those in power must practice politics for others.”
-What if you had gone into academia instead of politics?
“If my fate had been easier, maybe (laughs). But I believe everyone has their own path.”
-You were a ‘teenage head of household.’ You worked and studied from your teens, facing a tough upbringing.
“I needed scholarships to attend university, so I studied very hard. I’m not that bad a person (laughs).”
-Your district, Jongno, is benefiting from the ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ phenomenon.
“It’s regrettable that aside from Jongno-gu, there are few places in South Korea—a nation with a 5,000-year history—where one can feel its epic narrative. Beyond palaces, I’m exploring ways to protect and nurture the jewelry and luxury industries, as well as the garment industry, that remain in the city center.”
-What score would Roh Moo-hyun give to your politics?
“50 points?”
-And for your criticism of YouTube power?
“Probably 80 points, haha!”
☞Kwak Sang-eon
Born in 1971 in Seoul. Graduated from Sinmok High School and Seoul National University’s Department of International Economics, then earned a master’s in law from New York University and Seoul National University. Passed the bar exam in 2001 and married Roh Moo-hyun’s daughter, Jung Yeon, in 2003. After working as a lawyer, including leading a public interest lawsuit against KEPCO over unfair progressive electricity rates, he served as vice president of the Democratic Research Institute and was elected as a lawmaker for Jongno-gu in the 2024 general election.
