<국토위, 야 원희룡 '총선발언' 지적 "정치 중립 의무 위반"> National Assembly Land Committee Criticizes Opposition Won Hee-ryong's 'General Election Remarks' for "Violation of Political Neutrality Duty"

30th National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee Full Meeting
Opposition Demands Apology from Minister Won Hee-ryong
Won Hee-ryong: "Former President Roh Moo-hyun's Impeachment Also Dismissed"

On the 30th, a heated exchange occurred between members of the Democratic Party of Korea and Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong during the full meeting of the National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee. Opposition lawmakers demanded an apology and a promise to maintain political neutrality from Minister Won regarding his recent remarks at a conservative-leaning forum seminar, where he stated that "strengthening regime change must be achieved," but Minister Won refused.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On that day, opposition party floor leader Choi In-ho said, "Minister Won stated at the seminar that he would achieve a way for the people to judge the Democratic Party. This is a clear violation of the Public Official Election Act," and pointed out, "This is the image of a politician at a campaign rally, not a normal minister." He continued, "Where is a cabinet member who says they will judge the opposition party in the general election?" demanding an apology.

However, Minister Won rejected this, saying, "I do not agree."

In response, lawmaker Lee So-young criticized, "Is Minister Won a cabinet member or the head of the People Power Party's election campaign headquarters?" and said, "The obligation of election neutrality under the Public Official Election Act also applies to Minister Won Hee-ryong." She emphasized, "He must clearly promise to maintain political neutrality."

Lawmaker Han Jun-ho also said, "There has even been a complaint filed for violating the Public Official Election Act. In a situation where no proper statement has been made, can we demand answers from the minister regarding today's settlement-related questions?" and requested, "I ask for the minister's withdrawal."

As opposition lawmakers repeatedly criticized the violation of political neutrality, Minister Won said, "Former President Roh Moo-hyun, who was much stronger and more direct in appealing for an overwhelming election victory, was acquitted by the Constitutional Court regarding his impeachment," and added, "I will take this as my answer."

Minister Won also explained, "To elaborate, the remarks at the time were about successfully performing my duties as a minister to positively influence the people and boost national momentum," and said, "Ultimately, it was a consequential statement about helping the ruling party and the president." He added, "Since it was not a direct appeal for the election, I do not agree that it violates the election law."