"Democratic Party's Formal Disciplinary Action... Incumbent Lawmakers Excluded"
The Democratic Party of Korea has decided to impose a six-month suspension of party membership on former lawmaker Choi Kang-wook, who sparked controversy with his 'female' remark, while the ruling party criticized it as a "lenient punishment."
On the 22nd, Shin Ju-ho, the standing deputy spokesperson of the People Power Party, issued a statement saying, "With the public sentiment boiling over due to the Democratic Party's continuous derogatory remarks against the people, is the only desperate measure they could come up with a mere 'six-month suspension of party membership' as a slap on the wrist?" He pointed out, "They should have apologized profusely to the public and expelled the individuals who caused the controversy, but once again, only the Democratic Party's sense of comradeship shines through."
He continued, "Moreover, no word or action was taken against the lawmakers who were present," and criticized, "They are giving a slap on the wrist to the former lawmaker while trying to protect the current lawmakers by cutting off the tail."
Shin, the standing deputy spokesperson, also said, "The disciplinary result will only further cultivate insensitivity to abusive language that goes against public sentiment, and it only clearly proves the Democratic Party's pathetic perception of the people, especially women," adding, "The individuals involved do not even realize what they did wrong or show any remorse; instead, they blame the media, and Democratic Party lawmakers are more focused on protecting their colleagues than on strong criticism."
People Power Party lawmaker Hong Seok-jun also raised his voice, calling it a "meaningless punishment." On the same day, on YTN Radio's 'Issue & People,' Hong said, "If former lawmaker Kang-wook is in a position to run in next year's general election, then it might have some meaning, but due to the current election law, he cannot run for the next five years," pointing out, "This is merely a formal punishment by the Democratic Party."
Hong said, "In the end, it's a case of double standards. No matter what abusive language is used, they keep forgiving people from their own camp," and added, "When former lawmaker Choi Kang-wook came to lawmaker Min Young-bae's talk concert and used such profanity, the Democratic Party lawmakers present, including Min Young-bae, Kim Yong-min, and even female lawmaker Kang Min-jung, laughed and applauded."
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