Rep. Kang Hoon-sik's Unyielding Grip on 'This Game' Even at the National Audit Hearing [Bu Aeri's Game Dictionary]

Kang Hoon-sik, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, was seen playing a mobile game during the National Assembly's Industry, Trade, Energy, Small and Medium Enterprises and Startups Committee audit held on the 22nd. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] In the final stages of this year's National Assembly inspection, 'games' were the hottest issue. However, the focus on game-related issues was not in the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, which has jurisdiction, but in the Industry, Trade, Energy, Small and Medium Enterprises Committee. This was because a scene of Kang Hoon-sik, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, playing a mobile game during the inspection was captured on camera.

"Loving games so much that even during the National Assembly inspection"

During the comprehensive inspection of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held on the 22nd by the Industry Committee, Kang played a mobile game on his phone during another member's questioning. As Kang was seen playing a game during the inspection, which investigates the overall state affairs and monitors the government, he faced heavy criticism.

Kang Hoon-sik, Member of the Democratic Party of Korea

The People Power Party sarcastically commented, "Kang, who held a forum to foster the game industry, loves games so much that he practiced it personally during the inspection."

Kang's gaming scene topped the real-time search rankings on portal sites and became a hot topic for days. There was also debate about which game Kang was playing. Gamers were divided over whether it was the casual puzzle game 'Candy Crush' or 'Kkum-ui Jeongwon' (Dream Garden).

The game 'Kkum-ui Jeongwon' that even Kang fell for

The game Kang played during this year's inspection is known to be 'Kkum-ui Jeongwon (Gardenscapes)' by the Russian game company Playrix. This garden-themed game features a green background with fruit blocks appearing. Players match three or more fruits such as grapes, apples, and pears to burst and eliminate them.

Gameplay scene of the game 'Kkum-ui Jeongwon' (Dream Garden).

Kang is a casual game enthusiast. He has also played 'Candy Crush' at times. 'Candy Crush' is also a game where players burst candy-shaped puzzle blocks. Kang was caught playing 'Candy Crush' during the Seoul city inspection by the National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee in 2017, which sparked controversy. He is known to enjoy mobile games during travel time or spare moments.

As the controversy continued, Kang apologized. He said, "There is no doubt that I was wrong. I will reflect and refrain from such behavior," and bowed his head, promising, "I will make sure this does not happen again."