Heo Eun-ah: "If Kim Sang-hee, the Deputy Speaker, Does Not Apologize, We Will Demand His Resignation"

Kim Sang-hee Vice Speaker, Unaware of Microphone On at Previous Day's Plenary Session, Said to Opposition, "You're Very Excited, Excited"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Rep. Heo Eun-ah of the People Power Party demanded an apology from Kim Sang-hee, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly (affiliated with the Democratic Party). She warned that if no apology is made, she will submit a disciplinary proposal to the National Assembly Ethics Committee and demand that Kim step down from the position of Deputy Speaker.

On the 20th, Rep. Heo held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Office and stated, "I politely but firmly demand a sincere apology from Deputy Speaker Kim," adding, "If this is not done, many senior and fellow lawmakers who were insulted by the Deputy Speaker’s remarks and I will have no choice but to submit a disciplinary proposal to the National Assembly Ethics Special Committee. Furthermore, we will have to demand that he resign from the position of Deputy Speaker."

Previously, on the day before, Deputy Speaker Kim was heard muttering to himself toward People Power Party lawmakers, unaware that the microphone at the Speaker’s podium was on, saying, "They are really excited. Excited," after Rep. Heo finished her government questioning in the plenary session of the National Assembly.

Regarding this, Rep. Heo pointed out, "The warmth of consolation and encouragement that he usually extended to junior female lawmakers was nowhere to be found, replaced only by sarcasm and cold arrogance toward the opposition party." She added, "Even if he had made such remarks publicly as just one member of the ruling party, it would have been subject to criticism, but he made the remarks as the Deputy Speaker standing in for the Speaker in the plenary session," emphasizing, "He was acting in the position of the Speaker, who holds an independent status according to the National Assembly Act, to ensure political neutrality and a fair plenary session."

Rep. Heo said, "Even now, I earnestly and solemnly demand once again that Deputy Speaker Kim Sang-hee retract yesterday’s remarks and play a new and proper role in our politics through a sincere apology."