Choo Mi-ae: "Those Playing Myeolconnori Need to Experience Military Service to Grow Up"

Former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae / Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Tae-min] Former Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae commented on the recent ‘myeol-kong’ controversy within the People Power Party on the 15th, saying, “None of them have served in the military,” and added, “How about letting them experience military life a bit?”

On the 16th, former Minister Chu appeared on Coupang Play’s ‘SNL Intern Reporter’ and was asked, “How can the immature chaebols and party leaders who play (myeol-kong nori) grow up?” She replied, “I’m worried that even if they eat all the anchovies and beans, they won’t mature.” Earlier, Chung Yong-jin, Vice Chairman of Shinsegae Group, posted on Instagram with the phrase ‘myeol-kong,’ which drew criticism from the ruling party, including former Minister of SMEs and Startups Park Young-sun and Open Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Eui-gyeom.

When asked, “Between Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party candidate, and former leader Lee Nak-yeon, who would you save if they fell into the water?” she chose former leader Lee Nak-yeon. She explained, “Candidate Lee Jae-myung has strong pioneering spirit and vitality, but I feel former leader Lee Nak-yeon lacks the strength to overcome it alone.”

Regarding candidate Yoon Seok-youl, she said, “He plays myeol-kong nori at the mart and also says we should launch a preemptive strike (against North Korea). If he has the mindset that the people’s safety doesn’t matter, he should stop playing election games.” She added, “He took the bar exam nine times, so trying again for the presidency wouldn’t be bad. I hope he prepares and comes out when he’s ready.”

Meanwhile, she urged People’s Party candidate Ahn Cheol-soo, saying, “This time, please don’t withdraw and finish the race until the end.”