Death of Ahn Hee-jung's Mother Sparks Controversy Over Funeral Wreaths
Irresponsible Behavior - Basic Courtesy
Disagreements on Proportional Satellite Parties and Supplementary Budget
Justice Party Requests "Refrain from Using Pro-Government Coalition Terms"
[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] The condolence visits and funeral wreaths sent by political figures including President Moon Jae-in for the passing of the mother of former Chungnam Governor Ahn Hee-jung have intensified the conflict between the Democratic Party of Korea and the Justice Party. With the involvement of former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon and Future United Party lawmaker Ha Tae-kyung, the controversy is spreading throughout the political sphere. Meanwhile, some analyses view this incident as part of the Justice Party, previously classified as pro-ruling, strengthening its identity as a progressive opposition party.
Ahn, who is currently serving a prison sentence for sexually assaulting his personal secretary, lost his mother on the 4th and the funeral was held on the 7th. At the funeral hall, wreaths from President Moon, National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seok, Democratic Party leader Lee Hae-chan, and floor leader Kim Tae-nyeon were placed. Condolences from political figures including Democratic Party lawmakers continued.
In response, the Justice Party strongly criticized the ruling party for their successive condolence visits, calling it an irresponsible act. Justice Party spokesperson Cho Hye-min stated in a commentary on the 6th, "We are concerned that this may be perceived by Korean society as 'political solidarity that does not lose to sexual violence' towards the victim."
Spokesperson Cho emphasized, "At that time, the Democratic Party also expressed a willingness to reflect. However, we cannot help but ask whether today's behavior truly reflects a sense of responsibility." She pointed out that "politicians should clearly understand that their actions and messages are not personal but represent the message of a public party," calling it an irresponsible judgment.
Supporters of the Democratic Party and pro-Moon (pro-Moon Jae-in) figures countered the Justice Party by saying, "Shouldn't we maintain basic human decency?" Jeon Woo-yong, a visiting professor at the Academy of Korean Studies, said, "Why should there be discrimination between the funeral of a sex offender and other criminals? It is a matter of respect for the deceased and their family." Additionally, lawmaker Ha from the United Future Party said, "Are you saying that former Governor Ahn is worse than Kim Jong-il, a perpetrator of crimes against humanity?" However, former professor Jin sharply criticized, "As a 'private individual,' the duty towards Ahn Hee-jung should be kept privately. If you want to send wreaths, send them at your own expense."
There is also analysis that the Justice Party, previously classified as pro-ruling, is in the process of strengthening its identity as a progressive opposition party through this incident. The gap that emerged during the phase of participation in proportional satellite parties is becoming increasingly clear. Justice Party leader Shim Sang-jung, regarding the controversy over real estate measures, sharply criticized, "Despite a series of strong expressions of will from the government and ruling party, the public is hardly placing trust," adding, "The public interprets the conduct of Chief Presidential Secretary Noh Young-min, who is trying to secure a 'smart single house,' as a stronger signal."
On the 3rd, Kim Jong-chul, senior spokesperson of the Justice Party, also requested the media to "avoid using the expression 'pro-ruling Justice Party' as much as possible." Senior spokesperson Kim said, "Please refer to the Justice Party with the more accurate category of 'progressive party Justice Party,'" and added, "The Justice Party competes in policy with the Democratic Party and the United Future Party with an independent voice."
Political commentator Park Sang-byeong analyzed, "The Justice Party is focusing on the anger of its core supporters, women and youth, in this incident," and "It is an effort to secure its identity by differentiating itself from the Democratic Party."
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