Roh Moo-hyun’s Son-in-Law Kwak Sang-eon and Kim Eo-jun Reject Fame, Refuse to Be YouTube Sensations

Democratic Lawmaker Dismisses Political Aspirations Amidst ‘YouTube Power’ Debate

Seoul, South korea – A leading member of the Democratic Party has firmly rejected speculation surrounding a potential future in politics, amidst growing scrutiny of the influence wielded by online media, notably YouTube. Representative Kwak Sang-eon, son-in-law of former President Roh Moo-hyun, made the statement on September 8, 2025, in response to questions regarding his engagement with the popular YouTube channel ‘Kim Eo-jun‘s humility is a hard news factory.’

The Rise of ‘YouTube Power’ in Korean Politics

Kwak Sang-eon addressed the matter on his Facebook page, referencing a recent article highlighting his absence from the ‘News Factory‘ channel over the past year. The lawmaker stated he had not appeared on the platform, despite occasionally viewing and supporting its content. He characterized the channel as possessing considerable “YouTube power” with the capability to significantly impact the political landscape. According to reports, ‘News Factory’, a channel known for its pro-Democratic Party stance, boasts over 2.23 million subscribers.

The discussion surrounding “YouTube power” comes as Korean politics increasingly feels the impact of online media outlets. Data from the Korean Press Foundation shows a nearly 30% increase in citizens receiving their news primarily from YouTube and other social media platforms in the last two years. This shift has raised questions about the customary gatekeeping role of established media and the potential for unchecked influence.

Historical Parallels and Concerns About Media Influence

Representative Kwak drew parallels to the past, recalling instances where traditional media companies exerted influence over candidate nominations and political decisions. He referenced the 2002 presidential campaign of Roh Moo-hyun, when the Chosun Ilbo newspaper faced criticism for allegedly interfering in the Democratic Party process. Kwak voiced concern over a potential return to similar dynamics, albeit with a new player in the form of influential YouTube channels.

In a separate Facebook post on september 7, 2025, Kwak cautioned against the dangers of elevating political figures to quasi-religious status. He cited a past statement, made 12 years prior, warning against the perils of political actions carried out in the name of ideology, expressing a desire to avoid a return to “ancient” systems of unquestioning authority. He also indirectly criticized what he perceived as an overly reverent attitude toward Kim Eo-jun’s views, labeling them as potentially akin to a “Democratic Doctrine.”

Data on National Assembly Appearances

Analysis of the ‘News Factory’ channel’s content reveals notable engagement from members of the National Assembly. From September 2024 to August 2025, 119 lawmakers made a total of 832 appearances on the channel, either through direct interviews or phone-in segments. The vast majority, 106 lawmakers (89%), were affiliated with the Democratic Party, and roughly 64% of all Democratic Party members appeared on the channel during this period.

Category	Data (Sept 2024 – Aug 2025)
Total Lawmaker Appearances	832
Democratic Party Portrayal	106 Lawmakers (89%)
Democratic Party Member Participation	~64%
‘News Factory’ Subscribers	2.23 Million

Did You Know? The increasing reliance on YouTube for political news in South Korea mirrors a global trend, with younger demographics particularly likely to access information through online video platforms.

Pro Tip: To stay informed about Korean political developments, consult a variety of sources, including traditional news outlets, independant online publications, and social media channels, while being mindful of potential biases.

The Evolving Media Landscape and Political Influence

The situation in South Korea highlights a broader global trend: the shifting landscape of media influence. As traditional media outlets grapple with declining readership and viewership,digital platforms like YouTube are emerging as powerful forces in shaping public opinion and influencing political discourse. This transition presents both opportunities and challenges for democratic processes. While these platforms can democratize access to information and provide a voice to marginalized groups, they also create avenues for misinformation, polarization, and undue influence.

The debate over “YouTube power” is not unique to South Korea. In the United States, for example, political campaigns increasingly leverage social media platforms to reach voters and bypass traditional media gatekeepers. This trend raises questions about the regulation of online political advertising and the need for media literacy initiatives to help citizens critically evaluate the information they encounter online.

frequently Asked Questions About ‘YouTube Power’ in korean Politics

• What is “YouTube power” in the context of Korean politics? it refers to the growing influence of YouTube channels, particularly those with large subscriber bases, on public opinion and political outcomes.
• How does ‘News Factory’ fit into this dynamic? ‘News Factory’ is a pro-Democratic Party YouTube channel with over 2.23 million subscribers, and it has become a frequent platform for Democratic Party lawmakers.
• What historical parallels has Representative Kwak drawn regarding media influence? He referenced the 2002 presidential campaign of Roh Moo-hyun and alleged interference from the Chosun Ilbo newspaper.
• What concerns has Kwak Sang-eon expressed about the potential for undue influence? He is worried about the elevation of political figures to quasi-religious status and the dangers of unchecked power.
• How many Democratic Party members have appeared on ‘News Factory’? Approximately 64% of Democratic Party members appeared on the channel between September 2024 and August 2025.
• Is there a global trend of political influence via YouTube? Yes, many countries are experiencing similar shifts in the media landscape and are grappling with the challenges posed by the rise of online video platforms.
• What can citizens do to navigate this evolving media landscape? Citizens shoudl consult a variety of sources, practice media literacy, and critically evaluate the information they encounter online.

what are your thoughts on the role of youtube in shaping political discourse? Share your comments and perspectives below!

Why might Kwak Sang-eon and Kim eo-jun actively avoid platforms like YouTube despite having a potentially compelling story connected to a prominent political figure?

The Unlikely Aversion to the Spotlight

The story of Kwak Sang-eon, son-in-law of the late South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun, and his close friend Kim Eo-jun is a engaging study in deliberately avoiding public attention. Despite possessing a narrative ripe for exploitation in the booming Korean YouTube scene – a connection to a beloved, yet tragically deceased, former leader – both men have consistently shunned the allure of online fame and influencer culture. This isn’t a simple case of disinterest; it’s a conscious, and arguably principled, rejection of a path many others would eagerly pursue. The pair’s decision stands in stark contrast to the increasing trend of political figures and their families leveraging social media for image management and personal branding.

Background: The Weight of a Legacy

Understanding their reluctance requires context. Roh Moo-hyun’s presidency (2003-2008) was marked by progressive policies and a commitment to anti-corruption efforts. His sudden death in 2009, ruled a suicide amidst a corruption inquiry involving family members, cast a long shadow over South Korean politics.

Kwak Sang-eon’s Connection: As Roh’s son-in-law, Kwak became a focal point of public scrutiny during the investigation. He was accused of involvement in illicit dealings, though ultimately acquitted of most charges. This experience undoubtedly shaped his outlook on public life.

Kim Eo-jun’s Role: Kim Eo-jun, a lawyer and activist, was a close confidant of Roh Moo-hyun and a vocal defender of his legacy. He also faced legal challenges related to the investigation, further solidifying a shared understanding of the pressures of public exposure.

The Roh Moo-hyun Foundation: Both men have been involved with the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, dedicated to preserving the former president’s ideals and promoting his policies. Their work with the foundation is conducted largely outside the glare of social media.

Why Not YouTube? The Reasons Behind the Rejection

Several factors contribute to their deliberate avoidance of platforms like youtube. It’s not simply a lack of technical skill or interest.

1. Respect for the Deceased & Sensitivity to Public Grief

Both Kwak and Kim appear deeply respectful of Roh Moo-hyun’s memory. Exploiting their connection to him for personal gain, even indirectly through YouTube monetization, would likely be seen as deeply disrespectful by many in South Korea. The national grief surrounding his death remains palpable.

2. Distrust of the media Landscape

The experience with the media during and after the corruption investigation likely fostered a deep distrust of public narratives and sensationalism. YouTube, with its potential for misinformation and character assassination, may be viewed as an extension of that problematic landscape.

3. prioritizing Substance Over Spectacle

Both men seem to prioritize substantive work – legal advocacy, foundation work, and quiet remembrance – over the performative aspects of online fame. They appear to value privacy and a life lived outside the constant scrutiny of the internet. This aligns with Roh Moo-hyun’s own relatively modest lifestyle during and after his presidency.

4. Avoiding Re-Litigation of Past Controversies

A YouTube channel would inevitably invite renewed scrutiny of the past controversies surrounding the Roh Moo-hyun investigation. Both Kwak and Kim may wish to avoid re-opening old wounds and subjecting themselves and their families to further public debate.

The Contrast with Korean YouTube Trends

The decision to remain offline is particularly striking given the current state of Korean YouTube.

Political Commentary & “Expose” Culture: Korean YouTube is rife with political commentary, frequently enough sensationalized and focused on exposing alleged wrongdoing. A channel featuring figures connected to a high-profile case like Roh Moo-hyun’s would undoubtedly attract significant attention – and potentially negative scrutiny.

The Rise of the “Influencer” Politician: Increasingly, South Korean politicians are using YouTube to connect with voters and cultivate a personal brand. This trend makes Kwak and Kim’s rejection of the platform even more notable.

Documentary Style Content: While many Korean YouTubers focus on entertainment, there’s a growing market for documentary-style content. Their story could be compelling documentary material, but they’ve shown no inclination to participate in such a project.

The Impact of Their Choice

Their deliberate anonymity sends a powerful message. In a world obsessed with self-promotion and online validation, Kwak Sang-eon and Kim Eo-jun demonstrate that it’s possible to live a meaningful life outside the spotlight.Their choice reinforces the idea that some legacies are best honored through quiet dedication and respect, rather than through the pursuit of online fame. It’s a subtle but significant act of defiance against the pervasive influence of social media and the pressures of modern celebrity culture.