So Su-jin Faces Controversy Over Comparing Ko Min-jung to a 'Joseon Dynasty Concubine'
[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] On the 27th, Go Minjeong, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, announced that she has filed a lawsuit against Jo Sujin, a member of the People Power Party, who criticized her by comparing her to a 'Joseon Dynasty concubine.'
In a post on her Facebook page that day, Go said, "I don't know where to start," opening with, "At first, I was bewildered, then angry, then sad, and now I feel calm."
She added, "I have thought a lot about what kind of actions I should take as a politician. I also considered that this might be a political dispute that I must endure as a politician."
She continued, "I have been sexually harassed by anonymous netizens more than once. I had no choice but to overlook it each time, citing reasons such as 'because I am a politician' and 'it is difficult to verify the source.' However, Representative Jo is a member of the National Assembly of the main opposition party, People Power Party, who receives taxpayers' money and carries the party's nameplate," she pointed out.
Go said, "Some may say that since this is a dispute with a member of the National Assembly, I should just endure it. But I do not intend to do so," and announced, "I have filed a complaint against Representative Jo."
She also added, "I am proceeding with a lawsuit regarding the false statement that I 'listed false academic credentials in the election leaflet.' Both civil and criminal cases are being considered."
Furthermore, Go demanded that Representative Jo "officially apologize to the residents of Gwangjin-eul," saying, "I know that I was not elected because I am outstanding. The evaluation of me will be judged through the next election. However, the statement that I was 'elected riding on the power of established authority' disregards the judgment of the residents who exercised their precious votes," criticizing her.
She continued, "I cannot tolerate remarks that belittle the residents of Gwangjin. Such remarks deny democracy and disparage democratic citizens," emphasizing, "I will watch not only Representative Jo personally but also the People Power Party, as a responsible public party, for discerning measures and judgments."
Earlier, Representative Jo, through her Facebook on the previous day, said, "Go Minjeong, whom the Moon Jae-in administration cherished and loved, mocked former Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, who competed in the April general election last year, saying he was 'not chosen by the residents of Seoul Gwangjin-eul,' and said, 'I have once again confirmed the depths of Go Minjeong.'
She said, "(Just before the last general election) the then ruling party floor leader said in Gwangjin-eul, 'If Go Minjeong is elected, 1 million won will be given to every citizen.' This is what is called a 'money power election,'" adding, "Even a concubine in the Joseon Dynasty who bore a prince would not have received such treatment."
She then criticized Go, saying, "If you were elected riding on the power of established authority, shouldn't you be even more humble?" and pointed out, "You should be humble just for being free from accusations of listing false academic credentials in the election leaflet and posting support statements from a resident autonomy committee member who was not qualified as an election campaigner."
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