People Power Party: "Choo's Apology Is Pathetic... What We Ask Is a Legal Issue" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the 13th, regarding Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae's apology on Facebook about the controversy over her son's leave, the People Power Party criticized, saying "What we are asking about is a legal issue," and called it "petty."

People Power Party spokesperson Bae Jun-young said in a statement that day, "I have come to understand that Minister Choo has had many personal struggles as a mother and wife and is in the process of overcoming them. I offer my deep condolences and will support her in overcoming this well."

Spokesperson Bae added, "However, what we are asking about is a legal issue," and pointed out, "Furthermore, we are asking whether the opportunity was equal, whether the process was fair, and whether the outcome was just."

He expressed concern, saying, "Moreover, the Minister said she would not receive reports on this investigation, but her stance changed within a day or two as she actively posted on Facebook. If investigators see this Facebook content or media reports, wouldn't it influence the investigation?"

Spokesperson Bae said, "Previously, she spoke on Facebook about the policy of separating real estate assets. This time, she made remarks that can be interpreted as messages related to the military," and added, "Please do not ignore the sarcastic voices coming from the Ministry of National Defense suggesting that what she intends to do is military reform."

Professor Kim Geun-sik of Gyeongnam National University, who is the People Power Party's Seoul Songpa-byeong district committee chairman, wrote on Facebook, "Apologizing verbally but internally making excuses that there is no fault," and criticized, "Outwardly sorry, but inwardly stubborn that there is no guilt."

He said, "There is supposedly no problem with the long continuous leave on the 23rd. There was no special treatment or petition for the leave extension," and criticized, "She said she would not receive reports related to the investigation, but it is as if she has already decided the answer and is telling the prosecution the answer."

Professor Kim recalled the impeachment attempt of the late President Roh Moo-hyun, mentioning that if there was a misjudgment, he performed the 'sambo-ilbae' (three steps, one bow), and said, "The prosecution's directive on the collusion between prosecutors and media ended in a fizzle, which alone deserves a sambo-ilbae," and raised his voice, "She should sincerely apologize and resign cleanly even now."

Floor spokesperson Bae Hyun-jin also said in a statement, "Appealing with tears after being exposed is utterly petty," and "A person who bears the heavy responsibility as Minister of Justice, having been exposed for committing acts that only favored her son, now suddenly bows deeply and begs for sympathy with a 'please pity me' attitude."

He criticized, "Instead of addressing the essence of the controversy over her son Seo Mo's 'emperor military service,' she suddenly brings up her husband, who has a disability from a traffic accident, to write a family melodrama," and added, "Her past self-pity that she could not wear high heels due to sambo-ilbae is a pitiful sophistry that even passing cattle would laugh at."

Spokesperson Bae raised his voice, saying, "Ordinary citizens, not mothers like Choo Mi-ae, are angry about the special favors and unfairness given only to Choo Mi-ae's son," and "She showed no hesitation in exercising her sense of privilege by saying to a reporter requesting an explanation, 'Do you know who I am?' I am angry at the immature confidence of Minister Choo's son."