[Summary] "Writing a novel," "Unbelievable" Chu Mi-ae uses harsh words again, unaware the mic was on

Opposition Criticizes Choo's Remarks... "What on Earth Are You Doing?", "Apologize"
Choo: "Regretful for Smooth Meeting Progress"

Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae is responding to questions from lawmakers at the Legislation and Judiciary Committee plenary meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 21st. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] On the 21st, Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae sparked controversy after making remarks that seemed to belittle Kim Do-eup, a member of the People Power Party, without realizing her microphone was on. Kim, a former prosecutor, has recently been intensively raising allegations of preferential treatment during military service for Minister Choo's son, Seo Mo (27).

After the plenary session of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee held at the National Assembly was adjourned, Minister Choo responded to Defense Minister Seo Wook, who was sitting next to her and said, "It must be very uncomfortable, right?" by saying, "It's absurd. That person really made the right choice by becoming a member of the National Assembly instead of a prosecutor. It seems like he will catch many innocent people."

Although Minister Choo did not directly mention any specific lawmaker by name, considering that the questioner just before the adjournment was Kim Do-eup, the opposition party's secretary of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee from the People Power Party, the remark appears to have been aimed at Kim.

The conversation between Minister Choo and Minister Seo was broadcast live, and after an 8-minute recess, opposition lawmakers criticized Minister Choo's remarks and poured out their condemnation during the resumed session.

People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Sang-beom raised his voice, saying, "How much controversy has there been in the Legislation and Judiciary Committee since Minister Choo's 'You're writing fiction' remark? What on earth is she doing, speaking like that with the microphone on just because she doesn't like the lawmaker who asked the question?"

In response, Minister Choo said, "I regret it for the smooth progress of the meeting," and added, "I feel sorry." Democratic Party lawmaker So Byung-chul also supported Minister Choo's apology, saying, "I earnestly ask you to generously understand Minister Choo's apology."

Then, Kim Do-eup said, "Minister Choo expressed regret but added the premise 'for the smooth progress of the meeting,' so I don't know how to interpret that remark."

He continued, "I don't understand Minister Seo asking Minister Choo, 'Is it very uncomfortable?' and Minister Choo is a minister who causes fatigue and anger among the people. Nevertheless, since lawmaker So expressed regret and asked for understanding, personally, although it is truly insulting, I will try to understand."

Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae is responding to questions from lawmakers at the Legislation and Judiciary Committee plenary session held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 21st.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier in July, Minister Choo also caused controversy by telling an opposition lawmaker who questioned her son's military service, "You're writing fiction."

At that time, during the plenary session of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, People Power Party lawmaker Yoon Han-hong asked Deputy Minister of Justice Ko Ki-young, "You were suddenly appointed as Deputy Minister after serving as the head of the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutor's Office. Was this related to the investigation of Minister Choo's son?" Minister Choo responded by saying, "You're writing fiction."

After the controversy, Minister Choo appeared at the National Assembly's political sector government questioning session on the 14th and apologized, saying, "I can endure attacks against me, but on that day, lawmaker Yoon Han-hong asked Deputy Minister Ko Ki-young a rather uncomfortable question, 'Did you come to that position as a reward for handling the son's case well?' This was a monologue expressing a sense of insult that I felt was a bit too much. I am very sorry."