Lee Ji-eun Apologizes for 'Chung-rae Cheek Poke' Controversy, Warns Against 'Romantic' Rumors

Lee Ji-eun, chairperson of the Democratic Party's Mapo-gap regional committee in Seoul, has warned of a strong legal response after becoming embroiled in controversy for poking the cheek of party leadership candidate Jung Chung-rae with her finger during a party convention.

The controversial scene was captured during the Democratic Party convention's joint speech rally for the Chungcheong region held in Daejeon on August 1.

At the time, Chairperson Lee tapped candidate Jung on the shoulder as he sat in the front row, and then used her index finger to lightly poke the cheek of Jung, who had turned around. She subsequently smiled and made a gesture resembling a specific shape with her hand.

As the video spread online, Democratic Party supporters poured out criticism, calling it inappropriate physical contact that failed to distinguish between public and private matters at a solemn party convention.

Some even speculated whether Chairperson Lee had made a hand heart with her finger.

As the controversy grew, Chairperson Lee appeared on a YouTube channel and apologized, saying, "Regarding the criticism that I acted immaturely despite being nearly 50 years old or that I joked around at a solemn event, I am sorry for failing to show a more mature demeanor."

At the same time, she issued a warning, stating, "However, if people frame it as if there is a romantic relationship between candidate Jung and me, I will not let it pass. I will file a lawsuit in that case."

She also clarified the hand gesture she showed candidate Jung, explaining, "I was drawing a square, not a heart," and added that she is currently capturing screenshots of all related malicious comments.

(Reported by Lee Hyeon-yeong | Video edited by Choi Gang-san | Designed by Lee Su-min | Produced by SBS Digital News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.