With "Unprecedented Harsh Words" Calling for Resignation
Former Minister of SMEs and Startups Park Young-sun declared her candidacy for the April 7 Seoul mayoral by-election on the morning of the 26th at the Korea Federation of SMEs building in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] Amid controversy over People Power Party lawmaker Jo Sujin criticizing Democratic Party lawmaker Ko Minjung by comparing her to a Joseon Dynasty concubine, former Minister of SMEs and Startups Park Youngsun, who is running in the 'April 7 Seoul mayoral' by-election, offered words of comfort to Ko, saying, "I hope you don't get too hurt emotionally."
On the 28th, Park appeared on YTN Radio's 'Hwang Boseon's Start Morning' and, when asked by the host about Jo's remarks toward Ko, said, "I was very surprised as well. How could such remarks be made in this day and age?"
Park added, "Yesterday, I conveyed words of comfort, hoping she would steadfastly overcome this situation."
She then pointed out that verbal abuse debates in politics should no longer occur. She said, "I don't think it is good for Korean society when Yeouido politicians, that is, lawmakers, say hurtful things to others. While it is possible to criticize and debate due to differing opinions, when it escalates into metaphorical expressions, nitpicking, or verbal abuse debates, it becomes mutual disparagement."
She emphasized, "I hope that from now on, the political sphere will become one that respects each other."
Earlier, on the 26th, lawmaker Jo sparked controversy by saying to Ko, who criticized former Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon, "Even a concubine in the Joseon Dynasty who bore a prince would not have been treated like this."
The Democratic Party deemed Jo's remarks inappropriate and called for her resignation. On the 27th, 41 Democratic lawmakers, including Hong Ikpyo and Kim Namguk, held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office, demanding Jo's resignation, calling her remarks "unimaginable verbal abuse" and "clear sexual harassment."
Ko announced that she had filed a criminal complaint against Jo. On the same day, Ko stated on her Facebook, "Some say to just endure the dispute with a lawmaker, but I do not intend to do so," and added that she had submitted a complaint against lawmaker Jo Sujin, considering both civil and criminal actions.
Meanwhile, as the controversy grew, Jo expressed her apology. In a post on her Facebook that day, Jo said, "I regret that my criticism caused controversy contrary to its original intent," and "Once again, I sincerely apologize for the metaphorical expression causing political controversy, which was different from my original intention."
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