[2020 National Audit] "Who Do You Think You Are to the Chairman?" Late-Night Commotion in the Science and ICT Committee

Lee Won-wook, Chair of the Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Committee

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] A late-night commotion broke out during the National Assembly Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee's audit on the 23rd.

Committee Chairman Lee Won-wook and opposition party secretary Park Seong-jung of the People Power Party clashed over 'questioning time,' leading to a suspension of the audit.

During his questioning, Rep. Park requested additional time from Chairman Lee, but Lee advised him to "use the additional questioning time."

Park Sung-joong, Member of the People Power Party [Image source=Yonhap News]

After regaining the floor, Rep. Park demanded an apology from Chairman Lee, saying, "Where have you ever cut off the secretary's speaking time?" and their voices grew louder.

During his protest, Rep. Park used the term "dangsin" (you) toward Chairman Lee, which enraged Lee, who responded, "What do you mean 'you' to the chairman?"

Chairman Lee came down from the chairman's seat and strongly protested to Rep. Park, while lawmakers from both parties tried to intervene and calm them down.

Meanwhile, the committee had planned to pass the amendment to the Telecommunications Business Act, known as the 'Google Gapjil Prevention Act,' during the audit period, but it was effectively stalled.

Originally, the ruling and opposition parties agreed to merge six amendments to the Telecommunications Business Act, which included provisions to prevent Google's forced in-app payments, and to process them as a committee alternative on the 23rd. However, on the last day of the audit, People Power Party lawmakers requested a delay, citing concerns over rushed legislation.

Nonetheless, both parties agreed to hold a public hearing on the bill on the 4th of next month.