Kim Yong-min "Minister Chu probably didn't know the mic was on... Regret the controversy"

Kim Yong-min, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, attended the plenary meeting of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 21st, and gave a proposal explanation on the partial amendment bill concerning the establishment and operation of the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] Kim Yong-min, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, commented on Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae's criticism of opposition lawmakers with a background as prosecutors, saying, "(Minister Choo) did not speak first; the Minister of National Defense greeted her first from beside her, so it was just a casual remark made during that conversation."

On the 22nd, in an interview with CBS Kim Hyun-jung's News Show, Kim said this and, when asked by the host whether Minister Choo was unaware that the microphone was on, he emphasized, "Since it was during a recess, I think she naturally did not know."

Kim added that Minister Choo expressed regret to Kim Do-eup, a People Power Party lawmaker who raised objections, saying she was "sorry for the smooth progress of the meeting," and expressed his regret over the growing controversy surrounding Minister Choo's remarks.

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, on the 21st, during a plenary session of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee held at the National Assembly, after a recess was declared, Minister of National Defense Seo Wook said, "You must be very uncomfortable," to which Minister Choo responded, "It's absurd. That person did well not to become a prosecutor and instead became a lawmaker. I think he will catch several innocent people." This conversation was recorded and broadcast live through the National Assembly's parliamentary proceedings system.

Although Minister Choo did not mention any lawmaker by name, considering that the questioner just before the recess 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 directed at him.

The People Power Party immediately protested. Lawmaker Yoo Sang-beom raised his voice, saying, "After Minister Choo's 'You're writing fiction' remark, how many controversies have there been in the Legislation and Judiciary Committee? 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 "I feel sorry."

Then, Lawmaker Kim Do-eup replied, "Minister Choo expressed regret but added the premise of '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, 'Are you very uncomfortable?' and Minister Choo is a minister who causes fatigue and anger among the people. Nevertheless, since Minister Choo expressed regret and asked for understanding, personally, I find it quite insulting but will try to understand."