Trending Now: Controversy over People Power Party judge role… Lee Hyuk-jae laments, “I’m not a celebrity. Where am I supposed to live?” – Fans React

During a live broadcast on his YouTube channel on the 27th, Lee Hyuk-jae spoke with fellow broadcaster Choi Guk and voiced his frustration that past incidents are still restricting his current activities. He said, “It’s been more than four years since I left broadcasting, and I’m now living as a private individual, not a celebrity,” adding, “I’m not living off public affection or taxpayers’ money anymore, so it feels excessive to be constantly condemned for something that happened in the past.

” The latest controversy erupted after it became known that Lee Hyuk-jae had taken part as a judge in the People Power Party’s Open Auditions for Young Proportional Representatives. Some critics argued that he was unfit for the role, citing an assault case that occurred 17 years ago.

In response, Lee Hyuk-jae explained, “At the time, I took legal responsibility and paid the fine, and afterward I spent time reflecting, including through overseas volunteer work. ” However, he also acknowledged his fault, stressing, “That doesn’t mean what I did back then was right.

” He also suggested that political bias might be part of what is driving the backlash. Lee Hyuk-jae pointedly remarked, “If I were a left-leaning celebrity, I wonder whether people would be applying the same standards to me now.

” As the controversy grew, Lee Hyuk-jae said he initially offered to step down to avoid burdening the party, but ultimately carried out the judge role at the request of party leaders. He stated, “Party officials reviewed the situation and told me there was no problem, encouraged me to take part, and I fulfilled the role I was given in good faith.

” Lee Hyuk-jae was previously booked on assault charges in 2010 over an incident at an entertainment establishment in Incheon, and in 2024 he was also listed among high-amount, habitual tax delinquents.

More recently, he has been active as a conservative YouTuber, continuing to make political comments.

Reporter Ji Seung-hun, Star Today

This article has been translated by GripLabs Mingo AI.