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Novelist Gong Ji-young chimed in on opponents’ arguments against the construction of a naval base on Jeju Island, adding fuel to raging debate over the project.
Gong wrote on Twitter “You don’t listen to the Jeju people nor budge at the cutting of the budget by the National Assembly. You, who beat innocent citizens and put them into the water, are nothing more than pirates,” referring to the Navy.
Her remarks came after proportional representative candidate Kim Ji-yoon of the Unified Progressive Party wrote that she opposed the naval base construction on her Twitter on Mar. 4.
She compared the Navy to pirates, inciting the ire of naval sailors.
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Kim said in a statement that she will not submit to the lawsuits and will continue fighting to stop the building of the naval base.
“The military authorities are on a witch hunt to oppress the opponents of the project,” said Kim during a press conference held Monday to disclose her position about the ongoing controversy.
Gong’s comment is stirring up a bigger storm after Kim’s remarks sparked fierce debate online.
Gong is drawing criticism for making political comments.
Twitter user, dlsv****, said, “These sailors in the Navy give up two years of their freedom to serve the country. People like you who do not do anything for the country and rattle gibberish online are the real pirates.”
Gong said Sunday that although she had a friendly relationship with the Navy’s chief of staff, she thought it was right to tell the Navy that what it has done this time is wrong.
There were others who supported Gong, saying she had the right to speak up about social issues.
The debate over the naval base is not expected to end soon as a growing number of people are joining in on whether the project is justifiable.
Construction companies resumed the blasting of rock beds Monday after temporary stopping due to bad weather conditions on Sunday.
