▲ These images provided by the main opposition Democratic Party show its controversial banners unveiled on Nov. 17, 2023. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

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DP apologizes for campaign banners criticized as slighting young people

SEOUL, Nov. 20 (Yonhap) -- The main opposition Democratic Party (DP) apologized Monday after some of its campaign banners came under criticism that they belittle young people.

The banners were teasers for the DP's new campaign aimed to raise support from young voters and called the "galaxy project," but they faced heavy backlash over the weekend, especially from young members, for its seemingly derogatory satire on young people.

The banners read, "Never mind politics, I just want to be well off," and "I don't know much about economics, but want to be rich."

At first, the DP shifted the blame to the company that created the banners, saying the DP has nothing to do with the controversial slogans, which were created solely by an outsourced company.

But the DP switched its stance on Monday and issued a formal apology.

"Whatever the intent was, it was evidently wrong if the people and party members found (them) uncomfortable. We should have not shifted the blame on the agency that created it," said Rep. Cho Jeong-sik, the DP's secretary general. "I would like to apologize to the people and party members, as a secretary general overlooking all party affairs."

Cho, however, did not elaborate on whether his party could take disciplinary actions against those responsible.

The DP decided to postpone its "galaxy project" event originally scheduled for Thursday. It also vowed to reexamine the party's campaign for young voters from scratch.

Also Monday, the ruling People Power Party issued strong criticism of the banners.

In a party leadership meeting, Rep. Yoon Jae-ok said the banners reflect the DP's "arrogant" view of the younger generations.

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