Sangmin Lee Apologizes for "Stylish Resignation" Remark: "I Thought He Was Asking Personal Well-being"

Assemblyman Jeong Uncheon sparked controversy by telling Minister Lee, "If you handle the situation well, you can become a member of the National Assembly like me."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min apologized for his remark about ‘resigning in style.’ He also explained that he thought it was a private conversation as he was not informed that it was an interview.

On the 14th, Minister Lee appeared at the plenary session of the National Assembly’s Special Committee on Budget and Accounts, where he was asked by Jeong Un-cheon, a member of the People Power Party, about the circumstances of his ‘resigning in style’ interview remark. He said, "The reporter did not inform me in advance that it was an interview, so I did not know it would be published," adding, "I thought it was a personal inquiry and used an unrefined expression." He continued, "Even if it was a private message, I should have been more careful. I sincerely apologize to the people."

Earlier, on the 12th, Minister Lee caused controversy by saying in a text interview with JoongAng Ilbo, "Who wouldn’t want to throw in their resignation in style and get out of this situation?"

Regarding his position, Minister Lee said, "Doing my best in my current position is the best way to fulfill my responsibilities."

Meanwhile, a controversial remark was made during the Q&A session. Rep. Jeong emphasized the handling of the Itaewon disaster, saying, "If you handle it properly and take responsibility, you can become a member of the National Assembly like me." He was referring to his experience as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs during the mad cow disease controversy under the Lee Myung-bak administration.

Regarding Rep. Jeong’s remark, Kang Seon-woo of the Democratic Party pointed out during a parliamentary procedure speech, "There was a joke about ‘If you handle it well, you can become a member of the National Assembly like me,’" and criticized, "This is a disaster where 158 of our citizens lost their lives. Is this an opportunity for personal advancement?" Even Woo, the chairperson of the Budget Committee, expressed agreement with Kang’s parliamentary procedure speech.

In response, Rep. Jeong made no separate apology and said, "My true intention was to urge proper follow-up measures."