[Reporter’s Notebook] Ruling Party Dismisses Outrageous Remarks as 'Usual Playfulness'

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Kim Seong-won, a member of the People Power Party, who made the outrageous remark "I hope it rains so the photos come out well" at a flood relief volunteer site, is becoming the target of nationwide criticism. Not only the opposition parties and various sectors but also many within the ruling party are shocked by his statement.

Although it is said to be a momentary slip of the tongue, it is hard to understand that a member of the National Assembly, elected with the support of the majority of the people during a nationwide flood disaster, would make such a comment.

What is even more incomprehensible is the ruling party's immediate response. Despite the remark being made at the first official external event of the Emergency Response Committee, which was launched under the party's interpretation of a 'state of emergency,' none of the committee leadership recognized the seriousness of the statement.

Emergency Response Committee Chair Joo Ho-young stopped reporters with the comment, "(Kim) usually has a playful nature, so it happened like that; please look at the bigger picture," and despite causing party dysfunction, Floor Leader Kwon Seong-dong, who holds an ex officio position on the committee, was caught smiling brightly at the flood site, drawing criticism. The opposition pointed out his mistake, saying, "The floor leader didn't even reprimand him." Among the responses, Rep. Im Eui-ja, who gently tapped Kim's arm to restrain him, seemed the most sensible. What citizen could possibly accept the party's claim of being in an emergency situation?

Even after Kim apologized twice, as the situation worsened, Chair Joo only mentioned referring the matter to the Ethics Committee the next morning on his way to work, saying, "It is truly devastating and shameful to cause controversy with such an incomprehensible remark, and I cannot face the public and party members." Kim also held a public apology press conference that day. If the Emergency Response Committee had taken a humble approach early on, it might have prevented the need for a public apology or referral to the Ethics Committee.

As in the case of Floor Leader Kwon, the ruling party's inability to control its members also influenced the halving of President Yoon Seok-yeol's approval rating in less than 100 days. Whether it is a management-type or innovation-type committee, if the Emergency Response Committee wants to win back the cold hearts of the people, it must approach everything with sincerity.