Jin Joong-kwon, Ryu Ho-jeong on 'Unfair Dismissal' Controversy: "Just Look at the Facts"

Ryu Ho-jeong Takes Legal Action and Files Disciplinary Committee Complaint Over Unfair Dismissal Controversy

Ryu Ho-jeong, a Justice Party lawmaker, is speaking at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 22nd of last month. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Choyoung] Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon commented on Justice Party lawmaker Ryu Hojung's 'allegation of unfair dismissal of a former personal secretary,' saying, "Look only at the facts that both sides acknowledge."

Currently, Lawmaker Ryu has hinted at legal action regarding the allegations of unfair dismissal. The former secretary involved in the dismissal expressed regret toward Ryu and stated an intention to further publicize the unfair reality they face, suggesting that the dismissal controversy is likely to escalate.

On the 4th, former professor Jin shared Ryu's press conference content on Facebook, saying, "Bismarck said, 'Do not believe any opinion until you see it clash with the opposing view,'" and added, "I have heard both sides and roughly understand the situation. Set aside interpretations and look only at the facts that both sides acknowledge..."

Earlier, on the 1st, when the allegation of unfair dismissal of Ryu's former personal secretary surfaced, former professor Jin posted on his Facebook, "Still, procedures must be thoroughly followed. I hope this will be wisely resolved according to principles."

Meanwhile, on the 4th, Lawmaker Ryu held a press conference at the National Assembly and announced, "I will file a complaint with the party's disciplinary committee against Party member Shin, who first posted false information about former secretary A on social networking services (SNS), triggering this situation."

Ryu emphasized, "Let me be clear, this is not an unfair dismissal," and added, "Although it is not right for a proportional representative lawmaker of the party to quarrel with a party member, I will willingly respond to political disputes aimed at gaining the title of a dismissed worker."

Ryu particularly stressed that the dismissal of the secretary was not unfair. In a statement, he said, "National Assembly aides are not subject to the Labor Standards Act or the National Public Service Act," and added, "(However) I am a Justice Party lawmaker, and the former secretary is also a party member. Therefore, in light of the Justice Party's pledge to pursue a labor-respecting society, I intended to have the party's disciplinary committee judge whether there was any unfairness in the dismissal process."

He continued, "There was a party mediation procedure, and it was faithfully followed. Although I remained silent, the agreement not to respond personally was broken," and criticized, "The former secretary and their associates diligently posted on SNS yesterday and created documents distributed to the media. They spread false information and one-sided claims."

Meanwhile, former secretary A responded on their Facebook, saying, "I suggested resolving this through the disciplinary committee, but now they say they will resolve it through the law," and added, "Since the lawmaker hired an expensive lawyer and started responding with a lawsuit, there is not much I can do. Those who know me personally, please post supportive messages regardless of party affiliation."