Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized Cho Su-jin, Supreme Council member of the People Power Party, for proposing the "Eat a Bowl of Rice Completely Movement," saying, "Politics is done with words, but it is not only careless but also frivolous."
On the same day, just before the recess of the Democratic Party Supreme Council meeting, Lee asked the audience, "Is it true that Supreme Council member Cho proposed the movement to eat one more bowl of rice as a measure for rice prices?"
In response, Park Hong-geun, floor leader of the Democratic Party, said, "One of the Supreme Council members of the People Power Party appeared on the media and talked about the party's Minsheng 119 activities, mentioning eating a whole bowl of rice," adding, "It is such an absurd occurrence that I cannot say anything."
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is presiding over the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 5th. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@
Earlier, Supreme Council member Cho appeared on KBS Radio's Choi Kyung-young's Choi Kang Sisa program and said, "The problem of surplus rice is a very painful reality right now," and "We also discussed things like finishing a whole bowl of rice." He mentioned, "Many women do not eat rice well for dieting purposes," and added, "Rice has fewer calories compared to other foods, so it is necessary to actively promote this to turn the situation around."
Lee referred to the government's suicide prevention measures such as banning the production of briquettes and controversies over local government heads playing golf and drinking despite wildfires in the region, saying, "I wonder if this is something that can be reasonably said regarding the lives and well-being of the people," and added, "They are making remarks close to reckless words, so I hope the ruling party leadership becomes more cautious and serious."
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