Minjoo to Establish 'Hate Discrimination System' Amid Controversy Over Lee Hae-chan's Derogatory Remarks on Disabled People

Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the expanded executive meeting held at the National Assembly on the 17th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] The Democratic Party of Korea has decided to establish a system within the party to enhance human rights sensitivity and prevent hate and discrimination in relation to the controversy over party leader Lee Hae-chan's derogatory remarks about people with disabilities.

Nam In-soon, a Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party, said at the party floor countermeasure meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 17th, "Yesterday, the party leader apologized four times regarding discrimination against people with disabilities," adding, "To support this, we are preparing various systems within the party to enhance human rights sensitivity and prevent hate and discrimination." She also requested, "I ask that there be no political attacks related to this matter."

Moon Sang-pil, chairman of the Democratic Party's National Committee on Disabilities, stated, "I propose establishing a Human Rights Headquarters within the General Election Countermeasures Committee to eradicate hate speech and discrimination against people with disabilities and to promote human rights awareness." He explained, "During the election, the Human Rights Headquarters was established in Mayor Park Won-soon's Seoul campaign and received much positive response." He also proposed, "We will solidify promises to prevent recurrence and provide disability human rights education to party leadership, party officials, and general election candidates."

Earlier, on the afternoon of the 15th, party leader Lee, in the party's official YouTube channel 'Sseum,' made remarks about Professor Choi Hye-young, who was recently recruited as a general election talent, saying, "People with congenital disabilities have had disabilities since childhood, so their willpower is somewhat weak," and "However, those who became disabled due to an accident have dreams related to the normal life they originally lived."

Following the controversy over these remarks being derogatory toward people with disabilities, the Democratic Party deleted the video. The party leader issued an apology message stating, "I quoted a psychologist," and "The quotation itself was an inappropriate remark that could hurt many people with disabilities. I sincerely apologize."

At the regular press briefing on the 15th, he explained, "I did not intend to belittle either side of people with disabilities," and "I made the remarks based on an analysis I heard, but if my words caused various wounds, I would like to apologize again."