The Democratic Party, in response to demands for an apology over 'harsh remarks'... Park Chan-dae expresses "regret over the coarse language"

Park Chan-dae, Acting Party Leader and Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, expressed regret over the ruling party's demand for an apology regarding Rep. Kim Byung-joo's controversial remarks.

People Power Party Floor Leader Choo Kyung-ho and Democratic Party Acting Leader and Floor Leader Park Chan-dae are talking with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik during the economic sector interpellation held at the National Assembly plenary session on the afternoon of the 3rd.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 3rd, during a plenary session held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Acting Leader Park stated in a parliamentary procedure speech, "I am saddened and regretful that yesterday's interpellation session was disrupted," adding, "Members of the National Assembly are representatives of the people. Even if positions differ, I hope everyone respects each other and approaches the Assembly's operations with a refined demeanor rather than harsh language."

When Acting Leader Park did not offer a specific apology, members of the People Power Party immediately protested. Some shouted, "What is that!" and "Shouldn't you apologize for saying 'mentally deranged'?" People Power Party Floor Leader Choo Kyung-ho also approached Speaker Woo Won-shik to lodge a strong protest.

After conversing with Speaker Woo and Floor Leader Choo, Acting Leader Park briefly reiterated his regret, stating, "I express regret over the Democratic Party's harsh language during the various exchanges in yesterday's interpellation session."

Earlier, Rep. Kim, who was the questioner in the political and diplomatic interpellation session the previous day, said, "How can the People Power Party use words like 'the ROK-US-Japan alliance' and 'alliance with Japan' in their commentary?" and called them "mentally deranged People Power Party members." The People Power Party demanded an official apology from Rep. Kim, who refused to apologize, leading to the first interpellation session of the 22nd National Assembly ending in disruption.