Jeong Cheong-rae on Song Eon-seok's Resignation over 'Duty Officer Assault': "The Opposition's New Tail-Cutting Technique"

Jeong Cheong-rae, Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Ju-hee] Jeong Cheong-rae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, mocked Song Eon-seok, a member of the People Power Party who was embroiled in a controversy over verbal abuse and physical assault of party officials, calling his resignation from the party "People Power Party's new tail-cutting technique."

On the 14th, Jeong posted on his Facebook, "Here (People Power Party), whenever something happens, they immediately resign from the party," and criticized, "They first try to avoid sudden disciplinary action by resigning, then wait for the time of oblivion to pass, and quietly rejoin the party later."

On the same day, Song held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office in Yeouido, Seoul, stating, "I bow my head and deeply apologize for causing concern due to the unfortunate incident," and "My heart is torn and my feelings are complicated, but to avoid being a burden to the party any longer, I intend to leave the People Power Party out of loyalty to the party."

Originally, Song was to be referred to the party's Ethics Committee due to this controversy, with a high-level disciplinary action expected. However, by choosing to resign, he escaped the Ethics Committee's disciplinary measures.

Song further said, "I have nothing to say even if I had ten mouths," and "I sincerely apologize, bowing my head, to the parties involved, party members, comrades, and the public."

Song Eon-seok, member of the People Power Party./Photo by Yonhap News

Earlier, during the April 7 by-elections, just before the broadcast stations announced their exit polls, Song caused controversy by physically assaulting and verbally abusing party officials, including the party secretariat director and team leaders, because his seat was not arranged in the party's situation room.

In response, Song expressed regret and apologized to the victims, but there were strong calls both inside and outside the party for his dismissal.

Regarding this, Jeong had also posted on the 12th under the title "A Festive Atmosphere in a Strange Country," criticizing, "Have they already fallen into the swamp of arrogance? Do they no longer care about the people who voted for them? The celebration of the (election) victory is too arrogant."