Assemblywoman Yoon Mi-hyang Engages in Legislative Activities Wearing Butterfly Badge

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Yoon Mee-hyang, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea who is under prosecution investigation related to the activities of the Justice and Memory Solidarity (Jeonguiyeondae), went to the National Assembly on the 1st and began her legislative activities.

Yoon Mi-hyang, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is arriving at her office in the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 1st and making a phone call outside./Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

Yoon arrived at Room 530 of the Members' Office Building around 9 a.m. that day. She was dressed in a suit, carrying a backpack, and wearing a scarf. On her suit, she wore a butterfly-shaped badge symbolizing the comfort women victims and a camellia flower badge representing the Jeju 4.3 Incident.

Even before she arrived, the area in front of Room 530 was crowded with reporters. However, she did not respond to their questions and carried out her work inside the office throughout the morning. According to the National Assembly Secretariat, Yoon registered five staff members that day, including one aide, two secretaries, and two assistants.

Within the party, there continues to be a protective atmosphere toward Yoon. Park Beom-gye, a Democratic Party lawmaker, said on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' that "At least the fact that she explained herself before becoming a member of the National Assembly seems to be a rather courageous act, and it has considerably eased the burden on the Democratic Party." He added, "Whether there is responsibility or not can only be discussed depending on the prosecution investigation, but it is not a situation where we can talk back and forth."

Fellow party members Jeong Cheong-rae and Lee Soo-jin visited Yoon's office in the afternoon. After the meeting, Jeong told reporters, "I conveyed words of comfort. I told her to stay strong." Lee also said, "I think Yoon will play an excellent role for the people and women's human rights going forward."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the other hand, there are still views that the suspicions have not been resolved. Kim Hae-young, a Supreme Council member, said at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that morning, "Although there was a press conference last Friday (May 29), unfortunately, it was not sufficient to resolve the suspicions raised against Yoon." He added, "The prosecution investigation into Yoon has begun, and it must have been difficult to disclose supporting materials at the press conference, but at least transparently disclosing the expenditure details of the donations seems to be a responsible attitude for someone who wants to hold public office."

Shin Hyun-young said on YTN Radio's 'No Young-hee's Start New Morning' that "There still seem to be many parts that the public is curious about," and "It is necessary to watch whether a swift prosecution investigation can clarify the facts and resolve the issues."