Woo Sang-ho: "'I wish it rained a bit for better photos' Kim Seong-won's remark is a blunder... Appropriate measures must be taken"

"Surprised that Floor Leader Kwon Seong-dong did not scold Kim Seong-won's remarks"

Woo Sang-ho, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea, holds a press briefing at the National Assembly on the 11th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy reporters Naju-seok and Park Jun-i] Woo Sang-ho, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea, on the 11th, condemned the remarks made by Kim Seong-won, a member of the People Power Party, at the flood damage site as "reckless remarks" and urged appropriate measures to be taken.

Having returned after recovering from COVID-19, Chairman Woo said at a press briefing held at the National Assembly that day, "I thought it was commendable to quickly go to the flood recovery site and provide support. It is not blameworthy for politicians to say they will help when the people suffer damage," but added, "I was shocked after watching the video of Representative Kim's remarks."

At the flood recovery site in Sadang-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, where Representative Kim was present that day, he said to Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, "Honestly, I hope it rains a bit so the photos come out well." Immediately after the remark, a fellow lawmaker made him aware that a broadcast camera was filming, and Leader Kwon, after hearing the remark, did not say anything but stared at the sky with a stern expression.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Chairman Woo said, "There are many people who suffered flood damage and many who lost their lives, so I cannot believe that a ruling party member said he hoped it would rain a bit so the photos would come out well," and pointed out, "Doesn't this tarnish the meaning of going to support the recovery?" He also said about Leader Kwon, who was listening to Representative Kim's remarks beside him, "I was surprised that the floor leader did not scold him while he was talking."

He added, "It seems that Representative Kim should apologize by the end of today," and said, "This is a reckless remark that made the people who went to help the public a burden. It seems that the People Power Party should take acceptable measures."

Regarding the Democratic Party's criticism of President Yoon Seok-yeol staying at his residence in Seocho-dong on the day of heavy rain concentrated in the metropolitan area, Chairman Woo said, "The Democratic Party pointed out whether (President Yoon) really needed to leave the Blue House and relocate the office," and added, "Please understand that this is not to criticize but to point out that South Korea's crisis response system should not proceed like this."

Meanwhile, Representative Kim issued a statement regarding the remarks, saying, "I was careless and thoughtless during a serious time. I deeply reflect and apologize." He stated, "I will devote the remaining time sincerely to flood recovery activities and do my best to help those affected by the flood damage."