Deadlock in National Assembly's Government Question Session as Ruling and Opposition Clash Over 'Hanmiil Alliance' Term

Kim Byung-joo "How to Ally with Japan... Are You Out of Your Mind?"
Ruling Party "Regret the Abusive Language... Will Report to Ethics Committee"

Kim Byung-joo, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, fiercely criticized a People Power Party statement that used the phrase "strengthening the ROK-US-Japan alliance," calling them "insane People Power Party lawmakers." While strengthening the ROK-US alliance is an appropriate expression, the inclusion of Japan in the alliance led to protests from People Power Party lawmakers, causing the government questioning session to break down.

During the 4th plenary session of the National Assembly's political, diplomatic, unification, and security government questioning in the afternoon, Kim Byung-joo asked Prime Minister Han Duck-soo what he thought about a ROK-Japan alliance and then made this criticism.

Prime Minister Han replied, "The alliance between the ROK and the US is being strengthened, but regarding the ROK-Japan alliance, since there is public opposition, an agreement is necessary, so it is not a matter to discuss," adding, "It is right to cooperate where cooperation between the ROK and Japan is possible."

After agreeing with the Prime Minister's opinion, Rep. Kim said, "On June 2, the People Power Party stated that North Korea's continuous lowly provocations further solidify the ROK-US-Japan alliance," and criticized, "Japan is a country with ambitions over our territory, so how does the People Power Party think it can form an alliance with Japan?"

In response, People Power Party lawmakers seated in the chamber demanded an apology from Rep. Kim, and some protested by banging on desks. However, Rep. Kim displayed a past Facebook post by Hong Joon-pyo, Mayor of Daegu, on the screen, saying, "Mayor Hong also called it a ROK-US-Japan liberal alliance," and repeatedly criticized, "They are completely out of their minds."

Joo Ho-young, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly presiding over the session, requested the People Power Party lawmakers to maintain decorum and asked Rep. Kim to be cautious with his choice of words.

Despite Deputy Speaker Joo's admonition, Rep. Kim responded, "I have worn a military uniform all my life and vowed to give my life for the country," and countered, "The ones who should apologize are the People Power Party." Rep. Kim is a graduate of the 40th class of the Korea Military Academy and served as Deputy Commander of the ROK-US Combined Forces Command (Army General).

As Rep. Kim continued questioning Defense Minister Shin Won-sik about the death of Marine Sergeant Chae Sang-byeong, protests from People Power Party lawmakers intensified. Deputy Speaker Joo asked if he intended to apologize, but Rep. Kim answered, "There is no need to apologize regarding the alliance with Japan."

Deputy Speaker Joo, seeing that further government questioning would be difficult, declared a recess.

After the recess, People Power Party floor leader Choo Kyung-ho expressed deep regret over the rough and reckless language used in the National Assembly and stated, "The People Power Party is considering referring Rep. Kim to the Ethics Committee for his abusive language," adding, "The People Power Party must receive an apology to proceed with a normal plenary session."

Meanwhile, Rep. Kim, speaking to reporters outside the plenary hall, reiterated his criticism, saying, "The People Power Party, which has taken for granted the statement that 'we are allied with Japan' and used the term (ROK-US-Japan alliance), must sincerely apologize to the people."

Park Beom-gye, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is questioning Park Seong-jae, Minister of Justice, during the plenary session held at the National Assembly on the 2nd. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@