Kim Nam-guk Engages in Heated Debate with Opposition Lawmakers at Ministry of Justice Audit on 12th
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Professor Seo Min of Dankook University, one of the authors of 'A Country Never Experienced Before (Joguk Heukseo)', criticized Rep. Kim Nam-guk of the Democratic Party of Korea on the 13th, saying, "He was not only a loyal follower of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk but also served as a loyal follower of Minister Chu Mi-ae."
In a post on his blog that day, Professor Seo said, "Most loyal followers struggle to serve just one master, but Rep. Kim, who serves both Cho Kuk and Chu Mi-ae?two distinctly different individuals?with the same heart, is truly a legend among loyal followers."
He added, "Previously, I called Rep. Kim a loyal follower of Cho Kuk on Facebook, but after seeing his vigorous activity for Minister Chu at the National Assembly audit yesterday (the 12th), I realized I had underestimated him," sarcastically.
He continued, "Rep. Kim's performance was truly dazzling. Even Jin Hui, the famous Song Dynasty prime minister known as the epitome of loyalty, probably could not have served his lord so devotedly," and added, "I hope he continues to serve both of them well and accomplish great things."
Kim Nam-guk, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is questioning at the Legislation and Judiciary Committee's audit held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 12th. / Photo by Yonhap News
Earlier, on the 12th, Rep. Kim exchanged loud words with opposition party members during the Ministry of Justice audit held by the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee. When questions regarding allegations of special leave privileges during Minister Chu's son's military service continued, Rep. Kim interrupted, saying, "Isn't this a case where the investigation has already been concluded?"
In response, Rep. Jang Je-won of the People Power Party expressed dissatisfaction, saying, "When a member asks a question, please ensure the session proceeds smoothly between the National Assembly member and the minister," and added, "Isn't Rep. Kim Nam-guk going too far? He keeps intervening at the end of every sentence and answering on behalf of Minister Chu Mi-ae."
Rep. Kim criticized again, saying, "They are not asking policy questions but only continuing political strife over Minister Chu's case."
Rep. Kim and Rep. Jang continued their verbal dispute, exchanging phrases like "Don't interrupt," "Show some respect," "Why are you speaking informally?" and "When did you do that?" Eventually, Rep. Yoon Ho-jung, the chair of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, stepped in and said, "This is not a marketplace," to restrain both.
As loud arguments between ruling and opposition members continued afterward, Chair Yoon said, "It is no longer possible to proceed with the audit," and suspended the session.
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