[Initial Insight] Ruling Party Needs 'Digital Study' as Well as PPAT

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] "Can't the party just do a group purchase of 106 phone screen protectors and distribute them?"

On the 19th, when the 'text message exposure' incident between Jeong Jin-seok, the Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, and Representative Yoo Sang-beom occurred, such a comment was made in a messenger chatroom among reporters. Other reporters also agreed in small groups, saying, "How expensive can screen protectors be?" Regardless of the conversation about former leader Lee Jun-seok's disciplinary action, the reporters were tired of the recurring text message controversies following the 'Cherry Thumb Up' incident.

Of course, some argue that Chairman Jeong's text message exposure was 'intentional.' The method of deliberately exposing text messages or notebook contents to photojournalists to indirectly send messages has a long history in Yeouido. However, given Chairman Jeong's upright character and preference for straightforward methods, the consensus is that he did not disclose the messages intentionally. Yoo Sang-beom's resignation from the Ethics Committee amid the text message exposure controversy also supports this view.

The 'Cherry Thumb Up' incident, which is considered a decisive factor in the People Power Party's transition to an Emergency Committee system, was also due to text message exposure. There is much debate over whether the exposure was intentional, but considering the aftermath, many interpret it as a mistake. Due to the fatigue caused by repeated text message exposure controversies, some within the party have even joked about having to leave their phones behind when entering meetings. However, with a screen protector costing just around 10,000 won, text message exposure could have been easily prevented without leaving phones behind.

If this was not intentional, the conclusion is 'ignorance.' When a ruling party lawmaker was informed that phone screen protectors can be easily purchased on online shopping sites, he was surprised, saying, "Was there such a thing?" The recent gaffe by Representative Kim Seong-won also overlaps with several text message exposure incidents. According to multiple lawmakers, one factor was the failure to consider that the noise at the flood damage site would make conversations audible to those nearby. However, modern equipment can accurately capture specific voices even amid noise through technologies like noise canceling. They overlooked the advancement of audio technology.

The People Power Party's Innovation Committee announced plans to expand the application of the Public Official Basic Qualification Test (PPAT) to include members of the National Assembly. This is wholeheartedly welcomed. Although there may be controversies, there is no downside for the public if lawmakers study more. One ruling party lawmaker confided in a private setting, "There are quite a few lawmakers who serve without reading a single party constitution or regulation, or even the Constitution," adding, "Without PPAT, there is no way to compel them to study."

Additionally, it is hoped that ruling party lawmakers will come together to study digital-related knowledge more thoroughly. This is because no one wants to see further text message exposure incidents or leaks of reckless remarks originating from the ruling party. Seeing lawmakers who pass all kinds of advanced industrial support and regulatory measures yet remain ignorant about how to protect their own smartphone security makes the need for study all the more apparent.