The Democratic Party criticized the ruling party for intimidating opposition lawmakers by labeling their raising of suspicions as "fake news." They stated that verifying the facts regarding suspicions is a fundamental part of legislative activities.
Kim Han-gyu, the Democratic Party's floor spokesperson, said on the 8th, "The People Power Party is unleashing harsh criticism against Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Young-ho's questioning at the National Assembly's Budget and Accounts Committee," and demanded, "The People Power Party should stop intimidating opposition lawmakers and apologize for trying to discredit legitimate legislative activities."
Spokesperson Kim introduced, "On the 4th, lawmaker Kim questioned the suspicion that an announcer who appeared in the government's 'Fukushima Contaminated Water Promotional Video' received preferential treatment in assignments due to a personal connection with the president," adding, "It was a reasonable inquiry simply asking for factual clarification. Considering that the announcer conducted dozens of YouTube broadcasts with the president, such as on Seok-yeol-i-hyung TV, and hosted various government events even after the president's inauguration, it was reasonable to raise suspicions."
He asked, "Is this something that requires the entire spokesperson team to come out and issue a statement to attack?" and "Why are they defending the announcer to this extent and criticizing it as 'fake news'?" Spokesperson Kim said, "The government refuses to confirm even simple facts such as the announcer's appearances at presidential office events, does not respond, provides related information only to conservative media, and is engaging in media manipulation. Is it acceptable to pressure opposition lawmakers' legitimate legislative activities as well?" He added, "Requesting fact verification and pointing out issues regarding suspicions is the foundation of legislative activities."
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