Jeong Cheong-rae: "Gwak Gyu-taek's speaking rights suspended until he apologizes for using informal language"

"'What is Jiga' rude remark, challenge to the chairman"
Gwak Gyutaek "No intention to apologize... just a pronoun"

At the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, Chairman Jeong Cheong-rae suspended the speaking rights of People Power Party lawmaker Gwak Gyu-taek. Gwak and other ruling party lawmakers protested to Chairman Jeong, claiming that the '25,000 KRW Support Law for All Citizens' and the 'Yellow Envelope Law (Amendment to the Labor Union Act)' were passed without sufficient debate. During this process, when Chairman Jeong mentioned a 'removal order,' Gwak responded, "Jiga (me), who am I?"

On the 31st, at the full committee meeting held at the National Assembly, Chairman Jeong said, "Using informal and abusive language like 'Jiga mwonde' (Who do you think you are?) towards the chairman is absolutely unacceptable," adding, "I consider it not just an insult to me personally but a challenge to the chairman." He continued, "It is an insult to all the committee members, government officials, journalists, and aides present in the Legislation and Judiciary Committee," and requested, "I hope lawmaker Gwak apologizes."

On the 31st, at the plenary meeting of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee held in the National Assembly, Jeong Cheong-rae, chairman from the Democratic Party of Korea (left), is listening to the remarks of a member from the People Power Party.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

In response, lawmaker Gwak explained, "People Power Party lawmakers requested opportunities to debate important bills, but despite that, the discussion was unilaterally ended and a vote was taken," adding, "During that process, the ruling party's floor leader and I went up to the committee chairman to protest, and loud exchanges occurred." He continued, "Suddenly, the chairman said he would issue a removal order, claiming we had occupied the chairman's seat," and said, "Because I couldn't understand that, I said 'Jiga mwonde' on my way back." He emphasized, "'Ji (je)' is a pronoun referring to a third person, just a pronoun," and stated, "I have no intention to apologize."

Chairman Jeong said, "I will give you about 20 minutes," and after 20 minutes passed, he again asked if Gwak intended to apologize. When Gwak replied, "There is nothing to apologize for, and I have no intention to apologize," Chairman Jeong suspended Gwak's speaking rights. Chairman Jeong said, "Not only today but going forward, his speaking rights will be suspended until he apologizes," adding, "Apologizing includes a commitment and promise not to disrupt order again, and since he does not make such a promise, similar situations may occur anytime in the future."

On the morning of the 31st, at the plenary meeting of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee held at the National Assembly, Chairman Jeong Cheong-rae passed the 'Nationwide 250,000 Won Support Act' and the 'Yellow Envelope Act,' prompting strong protests from ruling party lawmakers.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Yoo Sang-beom, the ruling party floor leader of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, criticized, "It is generally accepted to use the authority to maintain order only when violent incidents occur or when the meeting cannot proceed due to a large crowd," and said, "The chairman seems to imply that if someone protests against him during the meeting, he can use the authority to maintain order." He also argued, "It is a principle that the agenda of standing committee members cannot be restricted, and if it must be restricted, members wishing to speak should be given at least two opportunities before concluding the debate."

Democratic Party lawmaker Park Gyun-taek said, "If we overlook and let pass such language and behavior as if it is natural and will continue in the future, how will the committee operate going forward?" and commented, "I believe the chairman's measures are extremely appropriate."

The Legislation and Judiciary Committee was scheduled to receive a briefing from the Ministry of Justice and others that day, but the meeting was temporarily adjourned due to strong opposition from ruling party lawmakers.