Jeon Yeo-ok: "Choo, a selfish mother who only cares about her own child, thinks other kids are dogs and pigs"

"Member of Parliament Rather Avoids Daughter's and Relatives' Restaurants"

Former Jeon Yeo-ok, former Saenuri Party (predecessor of the People Power Party) lawmaker. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Former Saenuri Party (predecessor of the People Power Party) lawmaker Jeon Yeo-ok harshly criticized Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae on the 18th for using political funds at a restaurant run by her daughter, calling her "a selfish mother who only cares about her own child."

In a post on her blog that day, former lawmaker Jeon wrote, "Considering the commuting conditions of reporters who are like my sons and daughters, they shouldn't leave Yeouido, but in Choo Mi-ae's mind, there was only 'my daughter.'" She pointed out, "Others are like fish, crayfish, dogs, pigs, but only my daughter's American home-style restaurant needs to do well."

Jeon continued, "It is unreasonable to call reporters to the 'Itaewon daughter's restaurant,' which is quite far away. And paying for the meal with 'political funds' is irrational and illegal," adding, "Political funds are money given to support you so that you do proper politics. It is never money sent to boost sales at your daughter's place."

She then said, "They explain it as 'a mother's heart wanting to help because Minister Choo's daughter just opened a store,' but this is not about 'a mother's qualification.' It is about fairness as the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Korea," sharply criticizing.

She added, "The lawmakers I know actually avoid their daughter's restaurants or distant relatives' restaurants. Because there are no secrets in the world," and said, "'Is it okay because it's a small amount?' People who spend small amounts like that will naturally swipe large amounts with the political fund card as well."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, People Power Party lawmaker Jo Su-jin confirmed through the Election Commission and others the 'political fund expenditure details of lawmaker Choo Mi-ae.' It was confirmed that Minister Choo spent about 2.5 million won at a restaurant run by her daughter while she was a 19th National Assembly member.

From November 2014 to August 2015, Minister Choo made a total of 21 expenditures ranging from as little as 30,000 to 40,000 won to as much as 256,000 won. Most of the expenditure purposes were listed as 'press meetings' or 'policy meetings.'

In response to these criticisms, Minister Choo rebutted, "Just because it's my daughter's place doesn't mean I can eat for free."

During the National Assembly's government questioning session on the 17th, Minister Choo said, "At that time, my daughter quit her job and started a business," adding, "I encouraged her not to be discouraged while talking about various livelihood issues with reporters at the restaurant."