Continued 'Choo Mi-ae Support', Will It Backfire on the Democratic Party?

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] The Democratic Party of Korea's remarks defending Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae's son against allegations of preferential treatment in military service have sparked continuous controversy. Some within the party express concerns that such defense could backfire.

On the 17th, Democratic Party lawmaker Park Yong-jin apologized in a CBS radio interview, saying, "Education and military service are matters of national interest and sensitive issues that must be handled delicately and with humility." He added, "As a member of the National Assembly, I feel sorry for the suspicions themselves and the sense of frustration among young people." Earlier, on the 9th, Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon warned at a Supreme Council meeting, "It is true that some lawmakers have made remarks that worry the public," and cautioned, "We must be extra careful not to make statements that cause misunderstandings or concerns among the people."

Controversial remarks by Democratic Party lawmakers defending Minister Choo continue. On the 9th, lawmaker Woo Sang-ho said, "KATUSA itself is a comfortable organization, so whether one went on leave or changed posts is meaningless," which led the online community 'KATUSA Gallery' to issue consecutive statements demanding an apology. Floor leader Kim Tae-nyeon sparked public backlash the day before by stating that military leave procedures can be applied for via phone, email, or KakaoTalk if there are unavoidable reasons. Lawmaker Hong Young-pyo stirred controversy by accusing the People Power Party at the Ministry of National Defense ministerial confirmation hearing, saying, "They even attempted a coup, and now that it doesn't work, they come to the National Assembly to engage in political maneuvers."

In response, floor spokesperson Park Sung-joon escalated the controversy by issuing a statement comparing Minister Choo’s son to independence activist Ahn Jung-geun. At the Ministry of National Defense ministerial confirmation hearing, Park criticized the repeated allegations against Minister Choo’s son, saying, "He personally embodied Ahn Jung-geun’s words that 'It is the duty of a soldier to dedicate his body for the country' (위국헌신군인본분·爲國獻身軍人本分)," drawing criticism from opposition parties.

Yoon Joo-kyung, granddaughter of independence activist Yoon Bong-gil and a People Power Party lawmaker, responded, "To be worthy of the phrase 'It is the duty of a soldier to dedicate his body for the country,' (Minister Choo’s son) should have served with greater humility to avoid accusations of unfairness," calling the situation "deeply tragic." Kim Eun-hye, spokesperson for the same party, criticized in a verbal statement, "Why bring in Ahn Jung-geun, who has nothing to do with this, in a defense of cheating and privilege? The Democratic Party should not tarnish the history of Korea’s independence," and added, "The ruling party is losing its reason trying to protect just one minister’s son."

As criticism intensified, the Democratic Party deleted part of the controversial statement and redistributed it. Democratic Party floor spokesperson Park Sung-joon sent a message to reporters saying, "I deeply regret causing controversy due to inappropriate citation in today’s spokesperson statement. We will be more cautious in future statements."