Park Seong-jun, Floor Spokesperson, Issues Commentary on "Soldier Ahn Jung-geun's Practice" with Controversial Part Deleted
Yoon Bong-gil's Granddaughter Yoon Joo-kyung: "How Dare You Compare to Ahn Jung-geun... Devastating"
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Su-wan] Amid controversy over the Democratic Party of Korea defending Seo Mo (27), son of Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae, as a symbol of patriotism akin to An Jung-geun in relation to allegations of preferential treatment during his military service, the opposition fiercely criticized, saying, "The Democratic Party might as well compare Representative Yoon Mee-hyang to activist Yu Gwan-sun." As the controversy grew, the Democratic Party apologized, but harsh criticism has emerged not only from the opposition but also within the ruling party.
Park Sung-joon, the Democratic Party floor spokesperson, stated in a written briefing on the 16th, "Minister Choo Mi-ae's son took sick leave during his service to undergo knee surgery in order to fulfill his duties as a soldier," and claimed, "He personally practiced the words of An Jung-geun, 'It is the duty of a soldier to dedicate his body for the country' (위국헌신군인본분·爲國獻身軍人本分)."
Park added, "The opposition has seriously damaged the honor of soldiers who fulfilled their national defense duties with fake news," and emphasized, "The People Power Party should not use our military as a tool for political strife. Instead of feverishly raising baseless suspicions, they should focus on verifying national security policies."
The opposition collectively voiced criticism against this analogy. Comparing Seo, who is embroiled in various allegations, to a national hero was deemed an inappropriate metaphor.
Kim Eun-hye, spokesperson for the People Power Party, said in a verbal comment that day, "Why bring in An Jung-geun out of nowhere to justify unfairness and privilege? The Democratic Party should not tarnish the history of Korea's independence," and criticized, "After barely managing with kimchi stew and community centers, now a 'coup' and even An Jung-geun? the ruling party has lost its reason trying to save one minister's son."
Choi Hyung-doo, floor spokesperson, also said, "An Jung-geun, resting underground, would lament, 'Has the country been turned upside down like this?'" calling it "a serious insult."
Yoon Joo-kyung, a People Power Party lawmaker and great-granddaughter of patriot Yoon Bong-gil, raised her voice at the National Assembly during the confirmation hearing of nominee Seo Wook, saying, "To be worthy of the phrase 'It is the duty of a soldier to dedicate his body for the country,' one must serve with humility and do their best to avoid accusations of unfairness," and added, "How dare they compare (Minister Choo's son) to An Jung-geun? It is utterly disgraceful."
Kim Geun-sik, chairman of the Songpa District Party Committee and professor at Gyeongnam National University, criticized strongly on his Facebook, saying, "The fact that this comment was not filtered shows that the entire Democratic Party is obsessed with protecting Choo Mi-ae and saving Private Seo (Minister Choo's son)," and called it "a warning sign for the entire Democratic Party and a lunar-level perception."
Former People Power Party lawmaker Park Hyung-joon appeared on YTN Radio's 'Starting New Morning' on the 17th and said, "Seeing Seo compared to An Jung-geun made me think they might as well compare Representative Yoon Mee-hyang to activist Yu Gwan-sun," and pointed out, "Setting political goals first and then fitting all logic to lower and justify that power is justice is ultimately tearing apart this country's moral safety net."
Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 17th and delivering an opening remark. On this day, the People’s Party changed the backdrop to the phrase "Hyun Byeong-jang is our son." /Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@
The People’s Party also actively criticized Park’s remarks.
Party leader Ahn Cheol-soo strongly condemned the Democratic Party’s 'An Jung-geun' analogy as "an outrageous remark" during a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly on the 17th, saying, "How could they say such a thing without losing their mind?"
In a post on his Facebook the previous day, Ahn said, "It is something that the patriotic martyrs resting underground would lament. Isn't this going too far? As a citizen and a member of the Sunheung Ahn clan, I clearly say: retract this outrageous remark immediately and apologize for disgracing An Jung-geun."
As the controversy spread, criticism also emerged within the Democratic Party. Former Democratic Party lawmaker Kang Chang-il appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' on the 17th and said, "Are they saying everyone who served in the South Korean military is An Jung-geun? While it might make sense to say that because they served to protect the country, it diminishes An Jung-geun’s greatness. It was excessive."
Meanwhile, as the fallout continued, the Democratic Party deleted the related part and issued a revised statement. Afterwards, floor spokesperson Park sent a text message to the media, apologizing, "I deeply regret causing controversy due to an inappropriate citation," and promised, "We will be more cautious in future statements."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
