[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Hong Young-pyo, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, referred to the People Power Party (PPP) lawmakers as a "coup faction" during the confirmation hearing of Defense Minister nominee Seo Wook, prompting criticism from the PPP, which said he was "rushing to save Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae."
Kim Ye-ryeong, spokesperson for the PPP, said in a statement on the 16th, "Hong's remarks to save Minister Choo are truly disappointing," and criticized, "Who exactly is the 'coup faction' that Hong mentioned?"
At the hearing, Hong said, "The coup factions who once privatized the military and interfered in politics are now coming to the National Assembly to conduct operations related to Minister Choo." In response, PPP lawmakers with military backgrounds protested and walked out.
Spokesperson Kim pointed out, "We are simply questioning the allegations of military privilege involving Minister Choo's son from the standpoint of fairness and justice, but Hong called it a 'political operation by the coup faction,'" adding, "Is the 'coup faction' Hong referred to the Republic of Korea Armed Forces that endured this land's history with their whole bodies, or the military personnel testifying about the allegations involving Minister Choo's son?"
He continued, "Who is the target of the remark that 'they come into the National Assembly to conduct political operations and turn the social atmosphere into chaos'?" and added, "Is it the 20-something youth, the parents who sent or should send them to the military, or the people?"
Spokesperson Kim said, "Are you condemning the people who have lost hope and raise issues out of helplessness as the country flows into abnormality?" and stated, "At this very moment, apologize to the Republic of Korea military personnel who protect national defense while thinking of the people's safety, and to the parents and citizens who send them to the military and worry about them."
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