Kwon Chil-seung Apologizes for Controversial Cheonan Ship Remarks: "Deep Regret to Soldiers and Bereaved Families"

Kwon Chil-seung, the chief spokesperson of the Democratic Party of Korea, apologized on the 7th for the controversy caused by his remarks about the Cheonan ship incident. He acknowledged that his expression was inappropriate for a spokesperson of a public party.

At a briefing held at the National Assembly Communication Office on the same day, Chief Spokesperson Kwon said, "I deeply regret using inappropriate expressions as a spokesperson of a public party, and I sincerely apologize to the Cheonan ship soldiers, their bereaved families, and all those who were hurt emotionally."

He made the remarks in response to reporters' questions about former Cheonan ship captain Choi Won-il demanding dismissal, related to Lee Nae-kyung, honorary chairman of Dareunbaeknyeon, who was appointed as the Innovation Committee Chair of the Democratic Party on the 5th and had previously mentioned the ‘Cheonan ship self-destruction theory.’ Kwon said, "How dare he say that? He killed all his subordinates; it’s outrageous." When the remarks sparked controversy, Chief Spokesperson Kwon explained through a message on the same day, "I fully empathize with the concerns raised by the Cheonan ship bereaved families and surviving soldiers regarding the Democratic Party’s personnel appointments, but I believe the commanders who should also feel responsibility are on a different level."

Chief Spokesperson Kwon also mentioned that he had previously stated that the sinking of the Cheonan ship was the work of North Korea. He added, "Furthermore, I would like to mention that during the National Assembly ministerial hearing process, I stated my position that the Cheonan ship incident was the act of North Korea."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

After Chief Spokesperson Kwon’s remarks became known, other parties including the People Power Party demanded his resignation from party positions. Former Captain Choi protested to Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, at the Memorial Day ceremony, saying, "Yesterday, the chief spokesperson said I killed my subordinates, but isn’t that North Korea’s atrocity? Is that statement the position of the leader and the party? Please contact me as soon as the position is clarified."

After the apology briefing, Chief Spokesperson Kwon did not respond to questions about disciplinary demands from the People Power Party, plans to file a complaint with the Ethics Committee, whether he would meet with former Captain Choi, or whether he would continue serving as spokesperson.

Meanwhile, Kim Ki-hyun, leader of the People Power Party, demanded at the expanded executive meeting of the People Power Party on the same day, "The Democratic Party must strip Chief Spokesperson Kwon of his party position and impose severe disciplinary action for causing irreparable wounds to the victims and families of the Cheonan ship and for making outrageous remarks."