People Power Party submits disciplinary proposal against Jang Kyung-tae for "such nonsense" remark

Opposition "Disrespect to Legislation Committee"... Jang Kyung-tae "I Apologize"

Jang Kyung-tae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is delivering a 5-minute free speech at the National Assembly plenary session on the afternoon of the 4th of last month. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] Jang Kyung-tae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, caused controversy last month by calling opposition lawmakers from the Legislation and Judiciary Committee "such ridiculous nonsense" during a YouTube live broadcast. In response, the People Power Party has submitted a disciplinary request against Jang to the National Assembly's Secretariat.

Choi Hyung-doo, the floor spokesperson for the People Power Party, submitted the disciplinary proposal on behalf of the party's judiciary committee members and told reporters, "Members of the National Assembly must maintain dignity as representatives of the sovereign people," adding, "He made remarks that degrade the honor and authority of the National Assembly."

Choi cited Article 25 of the National Assembly Act, 'Duty to Maintain Dignity,' stating, "It requires lawmakers to uphold dignity and the ethics to protect the honor and authority of the National Assembly," and urged, "I hope the National Assembly Ethics Committee will conduct a strict review."

Earlier, on the 25th of last month, Jang, along with fellow Democratic Party members Lee Jae-jung and Kim Nam-guk, appeared on the YouTube broadcast 'Democratic Party Innovation Live Eagle 5 Siblings,' where he targeted the People Power Party's judiciary committee members, saying, "(Democratic Party) judiciary committee members must be having a really hard time. Is it okay to call it such ridiculous nonsense? How can they listen to such nonsense?" which sparked controversy.

Kim Do-eup, the People Power Party's judiciary committee secretary, responded during the judiciary committee's plenary session that afternoon, saying, "Jang's remarks are not only an insult to the National Assembly but also a disrespect to the judiciary committee," and demanded, "Chairman Yoon Ho-jung must secure an apology from Jang. The Democratic Party must also make a statement." He added, "We will take measures such as filing a complaint with the Ethics Committee against Jang."

Following the controversy over his remarks, Jang apologized on his Facebook, saying, "It was a casual conversation with supporters during a YouTube communication broadcast," and "Although it was a brief expression of frustration about the overall situation, including the judiciary committee, which feels like a symbol of political strife, I apologize for the inappropriateness of that expression."