[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] The ruling party criticized People Power Party lawmaker Hwang Bo-seung-hee for raising suspicions that Kim Jung-sook, the wife of former President Moon Jae-in, was behind the appointment of Science and ICT Minister Lim Hye-sook, calling it "fake news" and demanding an apology from the People Power Party and lawmaker Hwang.
Han Jun-ho, spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized on the 16th in a written briefing, saying, "During the confirmation hearing, they conducted a witch hunt against candidate Lim with an 'if not, then forget it' attitude, and now they have dragged the First Lady into this absurd suspicion."
He added, "Are they trying to turn the National Assembly into a factory of fake news, throwing baseless rumors, having the media amplify and reproduce them, and leaving verification to the public? This is absolutely intolerable."
Spokesperson Han pointed out, "If lawmaker Hwang’s judgment was unilateral, it is the height of incompetence and irresponsibility; if the People Power Party joined in producing fake news, it is an organized illegal act."
He continued, "The People Power Party and lawmaker Hwang must take responsibility for their remarks," and "We strongly urge a sincere apology."
He added, "The Democratic Party will introduce punitive damages for irresponsible media reports and fake news that deceive the public’s eyes and ears, fostering a National Assembly that takes responsibility for statements and a media culture that takes responsibility for reporting."
On the previous day, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Nam-guk also urged on Facebook, "This is really too absurd and outrageous," and "Lawmaker Hwang should immediately apologize for irresponsible claims based on 'rumors' and her own 'brain fiction.'"
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