Kwon Seong-dong on Moon's Personnel Moves: "Bite Your Tongue and Die"... Clarifies Amid Controversy as "Expression of 'I Wouldn't Do It That Way'"

Kwon Seong-dong Demands Resignation from Director Kim Je-nam at National Assembly Science and ICT Committee Hearing on 7th
Mentions 'Justice Party Background' Calling Her a "Cuckoo" and Asking "Aren't You Ashamed?"
As Verbal Abuse Controversy Grows, Says "Expression of My Political Will"... Subject of "Bite My Tongue and Die" = Me

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] On the 7th, during the National Assembly Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee audit, the ruling and opposition parties clashed over the position of Kim Je-nam, Chairman of the Korea Nuclear Safety Foundation, who was appointed during the Moon Jae-in administration. In particular, the abusive remark "Bite your tongue and die" was made, which is expected to cause a stir.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On that day, Kwon Seong-dong, a member of the People Power Party, demanded Kim's resignation, saying that Kim's stance did not align with the Yoon administration's energy policy. He also mentioned that Kim was a former 19th National Assembly member from the Justice Party, saying, "Are you a cuckoo that moves from one nest to another? Bite your tongue and die. Why do such things?"

Chairman Kim has been involved in the anti-nuclear movement, including being appointed as the head of the Justice Party's Special Committee on Nuclear Phase-out in 2017. The People Power Party has criticized Kim's appointment at the end of the Moon Jae-in administration as a 'nuclear phase-out entrenchment personnel.'

In response to Kwon's remarks, Chairman Kim protested, saying, "You have the freedom to ask questions, but you should apologize for making remarks close to abusive language about my personal matters."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

As the impact of the remarks grew, Jeong Cheong-rae, the chair of the Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee, recommended that Kwon express regret.

In response, Kwon explained, "If it were me, I would rather bite my tongue and die," adding, "I was not telling Chairman Kim to bite his tongue and die."

He emphasized, "It was an expression of my will, meaning 'If I were in that situation, I would not act that way.' Please do not distort the intent of my remarks, and understand it as 'my political will expression.'"

Democratic Party lawmaker Cho Seung-rae immediately protested. Cho said, "It is uncomfortable to argue over a fellow lawmaker's remarks. However, since you insist on a Korean language test, (looking at the transcript) the subject of 'bite your tongue and die' is 'I,' and whether that person feels insulted or not is something the parties involved in the conversation feel."

He added, "He refused to apologize. Then we have no choice but to take other measures," hinting at future actions.