Kim Sang-hee, Deputy Speaker, to Opposition Party: "You're Excited, You're Excited"... People Power Party Calls It "Arrogant and Insolent Remark"

Yea "Feels like watching Choo Mi-ae... Where is the reflection and innovation?"

Kim Sang-hee, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, is speaking at the plenary session of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, last September. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Joo-hee] It has come to light that Kim Sang-hee, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, said "You’re excited, you’re excited" toward the People Power Party lawmakers during the government questioning session on the 19th, sparking controversy. The People Power Party immediately demanded an apology, stating, "It is unbelievable behavior from the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, who should remain neutral."

Kim’s remark occurred during the afternoon session of the National Assembly’s government questioning on politics, diplomacy, unification, and security.

After People Power Party lawmaker Heo Eun-ah asked Acting Prime Minister Hong Nam-ki focused questions regarding the neutrality of the National Election Commission, and received encouragement such as "Well done" from fellow party members as she left, Deputy Speaker Kim muttered to herself, "You’re really excited, you’re excited."

It appears that Kim was unaware her microphone was on as Park Sung-joon, a Democratic Party lawmaker and the next questioner after Heo, was already at the podium.

Kim Sang-hee is a four-term lawmaker from the Democratic Party and the first female Deputy Speaker in the history of the National Assembly.

The People Power Party immediately pushed back. Park Ki-nyung, the party’s deputy spokesperson, released a statement saying, "This arrogant remark reminds us of former Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae," and criticized, "It is unbelievable that the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, who should be the most neutral, made a mocking remark toward opposition lawmakers during government questioning."

Park added, "Uttering insulting language in this sacred setting where lawmakers directly elected by the people point out government issues is itself a disregard for the people," and pointed out, "The ruling party’s pledge to reflect and innovate was clearly insincere, as revealed through today’s government questioning."

He urged, "Deputy Speaker Kim Sang-hee should remember the public’s mandate to lead the National Assembly fairly and justly and immediately apologize for her remarks."