On the 17th, Assemblywoman Jo Su-jin posted a photo mocking Seo, the son of Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae. Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seul-gi] Controversy arose after a ruling party member made a comment likening the military service of Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae's son, Seo Mo (27), to An Jung-geun's 'Devotion to the Country, Duty of a Soldier.' On the 17th, People Power Party lawmaker Jo Su-jin quoted this comment to mock Seo on social media.
On that day, Rep. Jo posted on her Facebook along with the phrase "The Fighting Spirit of Devotion to the Country" and a photo. The revealed photo is a recommendation form titled 'Hwarang Military Merit Medal Recommendation,' containing mocking phrases about Seo.
The photo reportedly includes the text: "The above person, after knee surgery in April 2015 and with a painful leg, actively participated as a member of the university soccer team, including taking part in a Korean soccer tournament during his study abroad in the UK in February 2016. Although he was exempt from military service in November 2016, he enlisted, thus demonstrating 'Devotion to the Country.' Therefore, we present this Hwarang Military Merit Medal recommendation."
Previously, Park Sung-jun, the floor spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea, sparked controversy by saying about Seo, "He personally practiced the words of An Jung-geun that dedicating one's body to the country is the duty of a soldier."
Following the controversy, Spokesperson Park apologized, stating, "I deeply regret causing controversy due to an inappropriate citation in today's spokesperson commentary. I will be more cautious in future commentaries."
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