By Kang Hyun-kyung
Staff Reporter
Presidential hopeful Lee Myung-bak of the main opposition Grand National Party (GNP) Wednesday angered the disabled community with his remarks on abortion.
About 20 disabled people urged former Seoul Mayor Lee to apologize for his remarks on abortion against the disabled.
In a press conference in front of Lee’s office in Yeoido, Seoul, they accused Lee of having said in an interview with a local newspaper that he basically opposed abortion but would take a pro-choice stance if an unborn baby was disabled.
The protesters are members from 18 associations for disabled people.
Lee’s remarks caused controversy and political parties fired back.
The pro-government Uri Party said in a statement that his inappropriate comments would cause incurable trauma to the disabled and their families.
Other parties joined the attack, saying that his comments were totally inappropriate.
Lee’s camp said although it was not Lee’s intention, there was room for misunderstanding.