"Great speech. Looking forward to your legislative activities"... Kim Tae-nyeon gifts snacks to Yong Hye-in for 'tenant speech'

Kim Won-nae Representative Sends Snack Gift to Yong Member "Enjoyed the Speech"
Yong Member "Ate Deliciously. Will Work Hard in Legislative Activities"

Yong Hye-in, a member of the Basic Income Party, is debating at the National Assembly plenary session on the afternoon of August 4th.
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, Intern Reporter Kim Seul-gi] Yong Hye-in, a member of the Basic Income Party who gained attention for her 'Tenant Confession Speech,' received a gift from Kim Tae-nyeon, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, on the 6th. It is unusual for a party leadership figure to send a gift to a first-term lawmaker from another party. In response, Rep. Yong said, "I will work hard so that people think, 'It's really good to have Yong Hye-in in the 21st National Assembly.'"

On that day, Rep. Yong wrote on her Facebook, "Floor Leader Kim Tae-nyeon said he was impressed by my speech at the plenary session and sent snacks. My office staff and I enjoyed them. Thank you," expressing her gratitude.

Floor Leader Kim sent bread and cookies purchased from the National Assembly bakery to Rep. Yong's office, delivering an encouraging message: "I listened to your speech well. I look forward to your legislative activities."

Rep. Yong said, "I received many messages of support and comments this week. I should respond to each comment individually, but I apologize for not being able to reply to all due to the overwhelming number of messages and comments," adding, "Other lawmakers' aides I met while walking in the office building also greeted me, saying they heard my speech well."

She continued, "I will not forget this grateful feeling and will work hard. Please expect a lawmaker who competes with policies and alternatives."

Yong Hye-in, a Basic Income Party lawmaker who gained attention for her "Tenant Confession Speech," received a cookie gift from Kim Tae-nyeon, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, on the 6th. The photo shows Floor Leader Kim presenting the cookie gift. Photo by Yong Hye-in, Basic Income Party lawmaker's Facebook.

Earlier, on the 4th, Rep. Yong attracted attention by borrowing Rep. Yoon Hee-sook of the United Future Party's 'I am a tenant' speech during the plenary session of the National Assembly to express support for a partial amendment to the Comprehensive Real Estate Tax Act.

Rep. Yong said, "I am a tenant. I have been married for three years and live with my husband in a villa in Eunpyeong, having taken out a newlywed lease loan," adding, "Are the people suffering from this real estate policy and saying they are dying because of taxes the top 1% who pay the comprehensive real estate tax, or are they real estate tycoons or speculators?"

She added, "I do not think the real estate tax laws submitted today are a definite answer to controlling house prices," but also urged, "This policy will be the beginning of politics that controls house prices. The National Assembly must resolve real estate inequality."