The Democratic Party of Korea has mounted a direct rebuttal to the so‑called “hand‑brush” controversy surrounding its Busan Buk-gap by‑election candidate, Ha Jung‑woo. As opposition parties intensified criticism of his conduct, the DPK accused them of distorting video footage and resorting to negative politics, and said it would respond firmly.
Ha addressed the controversy at a press briefing held at the Busan City Council on the 30th.
The dispute began after video from Gupo Market in Buk‑gu appeared to show Ha shaking hands with vendors and then brushing his hands afterward.
Ha defended himself, saying, “My hands went numb, so the motion was unconscious. I understand how people might misread it, and I regret that.” He also questioned why former People Power Party leader Han Dong‑hoon, who had urged a constructive approach, felt it necessary to press the issue so far.
The party issued its own rebuttal. Democratic Party Secretary‑General Cho Seung‑rae said it was difficult to justify launching that kind of negative attack against someone new to politics.
Rep. Choi Min‑hee posted on Facebook that the third person to shake Ha’s hand had been wearing a wet rubber glove, and that Ha rubbed his hands together to help the water absorb. She said critics ignored the earlier footage and singled out the final moment, labeling it a “hand‑brush” to criticize him.
