Kim Min-seok on Chu controversy: "He apologized himself, so no need to escalate further"

Autumn, unaware the mic was on, says "I'm speechless"

Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae is announcing the results of the 2nd National Intelligence Service, Prosecution, and Police Reform Strategy Meeting on the afternoon of the 21st at the Government Seoul Office briefing room. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Amid controversy over Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae's remarks that seemed to disparage opposition party lawmakers, unaware that her microphone was on, Kim Min-seok, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 22nd, "Since she has apologized, there is no need to escalate the controversy further."

On the same day, Kim appeared on YTN Radio's 'Start New Morning' and, when asked about Minister Choo, said, "It would have been better if such an incident had not occurred," but added, "(Minister Choo) did not turn on the microphone herself, and she apologized immediately."

He continued, "I think it was a private conversation where she expressed her feelings of 'How can someone say such nonsense?' without knowing others would hear it."

Regarding speculation that President Moon Jae-in's entering the meeting room alongside Minister Choo on the previous day (21st) was an attempt to support her, Kim dismissed it, saying, "Claiming that his entrance gave her strength seems like an excessive political interpretation."

He added, "There is no such thing as giving or not giving strength to Minister Choo. Looking at it beyond politics, just as a human being, or as a single parent, it can be seen as a situation where she needs comfort."

He went on, "The essence of Minister Choo's issue has already entered a phase of some resolution, hasn't it? I believe attempts to frame Minister Choo's issue excessively politically have ended. Therefore, it is not appropriate to discuss non-essential matters regarding this issue anymore."

President Moon Jae-in and Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae are attending the 2nd National Intelligence Service, Prosecution, and Police Reform Strategy Meeting held at the Blue House on the afternoon of the 21st. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, Minister Choo attended the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee meeting the previous day and, after a recess was declared, engaged in a conversation with Defense Minister Seo Wook while the microphone was still on.

When Minister Seo asked Minister Choo, "You must be very uncomfortable," she replied, "It's absurd. That person did well not becoming a prosecutor but a lawmaker. It seems like several innocent people will be caught."

Although Minister Choo did not directly name a specific lawmaker, considering that the questioner just before the recess was Kim Do-eup, the opposition party whip of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee from the People Power Party, the remark appears to have been aimed at him.

Following the controversy, Minister Choo expressed regret, saying, "I am sorry for the smooth progress of the meeting" and "I feel apologetic."