Ruling Party: "No Illegal Facts in Minister Chu's Son's Allegations"

On the 16th, Defense Minister nominee Seo Wook attended the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly. After taking the witness oath, he handed the declaration to Chairman Min Hong-cheol and exchanged fist bumps. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] During the Ministry of National Defense confirmation hearing for nominee Seo Wook on the 16th, a heated debate arose over allegations of preferential treatment in military service for the son of Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae.

On that day, Democratic Party lawmaker Seol Hoon began by saying, "It seems that the public has different views regarding Minister Choo's son," and then argued, "No matter how much you swear on your conscience, this is not preferential treatment. It is an attempt to overturn and cover up the facts." Fellow party member Hong Young-pyo stated, "No illegal facts have been found despite thorough investigations by the party, and many things appear to be fabricated and distorted due to political motives," and questioned, "Is this an issue that should escalate to a national dispute?"

During lawmaker Hwang Hee’s questioning, an ARS (Automated Response System) phone connection tone was heard. He explained that since 2013, when calling the Defense Civil Complaint Counseling Center, a call recording notification is played, and repeatedly asked, "In such a situation, could Minister Choo or her aides have called to make a request? Are there any cases of such requests?" When nominee Seo briefly replied, "The exact details have not been confirmed," Hwang responded, "This was just a question to illustrate the situation. The military has changed to a state where commanders and parents naturally communicate about leave and outings, and even create group chats. I worry that such interactions might be suppressed in the future," continuing his self-answered commentary.

On the other hand, People Power Party lawmaker Ha Tae-kyung strongly pressured from the start of his questioning, saying, "The nominee must properly recognize the significance of the issue regarding Minister Choo’s son." When the nominee took a reserved stance citing ongoing prosecution investigations related to the preferential treatment controversy, Ha raised his voice, saying, "They are all the same person," and "A soldier who is not soldier-like but just cautious."

He then pointed his finger at the nominee’s chest, criticizing the insufficient preparation for the hearing, which led to loud voices and a momentary commotion even among ruling party seats.

Independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo said, "Regarding the Ministry of National Defense’s stance on Minister Choo’s son issue, there is a saying in the public that it is not the Ministry of National Defense but the 'Choo Ministry,' and that the department responsible for protecting the country has become the department protecting Choo Mi-ae, which has severely damaged the military’s prestige." He then criticized nominee Seo, saying, "As a former Army Chief of Staff, you are a party to this incident. Why are soldiers becoming the center of political disputes? You should feel ashamed."

Nominee Seo Wook expressed regret over the allegations of preferential treatment for Minister Choo’s son, Seo Mo, saying, "I sincerely apologize for causing concern to the public due to this incident," and added, "There were several shortcomings within the military. There were also administrative issues."

In his written responses submitted to the National Defense Committee of the National Assembly, when asked, "Do you think disciplinary action should be taken if preferential treatment was obtained through irregular means?" Seo replied, "Unfair discrimination or preferential treatment should not exist, and any related improprieties must be strictly dealt with according to laws and regulations."