[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Seul-gi] Former Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Choi Min-hee said on the 28th, "Our society and the media are pushing Yoon Mi-hyang, the elected member of the Democratic Party of Korea, too much in one direction."
In an interview with YTN Radio's 'Noh Young-hee's Start New Morning' on the same day, former lawmaker Choi said, "I think Yoon Mi-hyang, the former representative, who has been accused of exploiting the grandmothers for almost 30 years, must be feeling heartbroken."
Choi said, "Even if Yoon is struggling and distressed, I think she should directly explain the objective suspicions raised now," but added, "If she makes a mistake, she could go from a witness to a defendant. At times like this, a poorly handled press conference could lead to disadvantages during the trial or investigation process."
She continued, "I was really heartbroken when I saw (comfort woman victim) grandmother Lee Yong-soo hold a second press conference. The grandmother must have been heartbroken too," adding, "Everyone is in a painful situation, and stepping forward immediately to explain would mean denying some of the grandmother's words, so it won't be easy."
Meanwhile, regarding grandmother Lee's statement at a press conference on the 26th that "after fundraising, I was hungry and asked Yoon to buy me something delicious, but was refused," former lawmaker Choi said, "The claim that the grandmothers couldn't eat is not true. If someone says to eat with the money raised by civic groups, that donation cannot be used. In that case, it is correct that Yoon actually buys food with her own money."
When the interview became controversial, former lawmaker Choi clarified on the same day, "I saw the grandmothers having meals," and explained, "My point was that there is no use of public funds in personal relationships, that was the intention."
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