Baek Hyunjin "Impersonating Police, Illegal" vs Kim Eui-gyeom "What Did You Do During MBC Strike?" Tense Exchange

Bae Hyunjin, Member of the People Power Party (left), Kim Eui-gyeom, Member of the Open Democratic Party (right)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] People Power Party lawmaker Bae Hyunjin and Open Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Eui-gyeom engaged in a sharp dispute over Kim's remarks defending 'impersonation of reporters.'

On the 16th, during the full meeting of the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, the heated exchange began when Rep. Bae argued that Rep. Kim should be excluded from discussions on the amendment to the Media Arbitration Act.

Rep. Bae stated in a parliamentary procedure speech, "Rep. Kim Eui-gyeom recently caused a stir by saying that media outlets have customarily conducted reporting by impersonating police officers," adding, "I have worked in the media for 10 years but have never seen or heard of such a situation. It is clearly a crime and illegal act."

Previously, Rep. Kim, a former reporter for The Hankyoreh, had said regarding two MBC reporters impersonating police officers during coverage related to Kim Geon-hee, wife of former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, "For older reporters, this was actually a very common practice."

Baek Hyun-jin, Supreme Council Member of the People Power Party, is holding a press conference on the son of President Moon Jae-in, Moon Jun-yong, at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 28th of last month.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Rep. Bae continued, "If a lawmaker who triggered such a misunderstanding participates, wouldn't the room (space) to clearly discuss the media law decrease?" She requested the chairman of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, Do Jong-hwan, who is affiliated with the Democratic Party of Korea, to adjust the participation of Rep. Kim, a member of the Culture and Arts Bill Review Subcommittee, in the review of the Media Arbitration Act, deeming it inappropriate.

In response, Rep. Kim Seung-won of the Democratic Party of Korea said, "I think impersonating a police officer is a crime, but it is not," adding, "It becomes a problem only if one performs police duties. If we have to change the qualifications of committee members based on a single statement, would anyone be left?" and pushed back.

Kim Eui-gyeom, a member of the Open Democratic Party, is speaking at the 2nd press conference urging the enactment of the Democratic Meritorious Persons Act held in front of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 8th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Rep. Kim Eui-gyeom countered by mentioning Rep. Bae Hyunjin's past non-participation in strikes, saying, "When MBC colleagues struggled during the Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye administrations, where was Rep. Bae and what was she doing?" and added, "She has no right to criticize."

Committee Chairman Do Jong-hwan cautioned, "We should not escalate into overly emotional confrontations," but Rep. Bae replied, "I participated in a total of three strikes, including the last one in 2012, which lasted 100 days. However, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions circulated false tweets using my name," adding, "I chose not to be swayed by lies that put my name at the forefront while striking under the banner of fair media."

She continued, "I am holding her accountable for her remarks. The ongoing controversies regarding speculative issues and police impersonation are embarrassing and difficult as a fellow standing committee member. I hope she exercises restraint."

Regarding Rep. Kim Seung-won, she clarified, "From the standpoint of properly discussing the Media Arbitration Act, I requested matters concerning Rep. Kim Eui-gyeom. There is no need for you to get involved and become agitated."