[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Joo-hee] On the 21st, at the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee meeting, Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae was criticized by People Power Party lawmaker Jo Soo-jin for making 'behind-the-back' remarks about opposition lawmakers without realizing her microphone was on. Jo said it was "thanks to President Moon Jae-in's unwavering trust."
On the 22nd, Jo posted on her Facebook, listing Choo's previously controversial remarks such as "writing novels" and "baseless trifling tongue," pointing out the issue.
Jo said, "(Minister Choo) openly insulted lawmaker Kim Do-eup, who is a former prosecutor," adding, "Before these remarks were made, Minister Choo entered the 'Power Institution Reform Meeting' alongside President Moon. Minister Choo's arrogance must be due to President Moon Jae-in's unwavering trust."
She continued, "As soon as the Judiciary Committee chairman announced a 10-minute recess, the newly appointed Minister of National Defense comforted Minister Choo sitting next to him by saying, 'You must be very uncomfortable,'” adding, “Clearly, Minister Choo has taken control of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport as well as the Ministry of National Defense."
Earlier, during the Judiciary Committee meeting on the 21st, after the plenary session was recessed, when Minister of National Defense Seo Wook sitting beside her asked, "Are you very uncomfortable?" Minister Choo replied, "It's absurd. That person did well not to become a prosecutor and instead became a lawmaker. It seems like several innocent people will be caught."
Although Minister Choo did not directly mention a specific lawmaker, it appears she was targeting People Power Party lawmaker Kim Do-eup, who had questioned just before the recess. At the time of the remark, the microphone was still on and the comment was broadcast live.
When the meeting resumed, opposition lawmakers poured out criticism of Minister Choo's remarks.
Lawmaker Kim said, "Personally, it is truly insulting, but I will try to understand," while criticizing, "This is not the first time, and Minister Choo's verbal controversies are causing fatigue and anger among the public."
People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Sang-beom also demanded an apology, saying, "After the words 'writing novels,' how many controversies have there been? Is it acceptable to use such insulting language just because you don't like the questioning lawmaker?"
In response, Minister Choo said, "I regret this for the smooth progress of the meeting. I feel sorry."
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