'Malmal Controversy' Choi Min-hee Reported for Defamation Charges

Seomin Minsheng Countermeasures Committee Files Complaint on the 13th

Choi Min-hee, chairman of the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Communications Committee, who has been embroiled in controversy over remarks such as 'disparaging North Korean defectors' and 'comments on brain structure,' has been reported to the police.

The civic group Seomin Minsaeng Countermeasure Committee (Seominwi) filed a complaint against Chairman Choi on the 13th with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on charges of insult and abuse of authority.

Chairperson Choi Min-hee of the National Assembly Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee is striking the gavel at the 5th plenary session of the committee held at the National Assembly. [Image source=Asia Economy DB]

Through the complaint, Seominwi stated, "The defendant's inappropriate words and actions constitute a serious crime that damages liberal democracy and constitutional values," adding, "The controversy over the defendant's offensive remarks has led to a petition for the expulsion of Choi Min-hee, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, which had garnered 6,583 signatures as of 10 a.m. on the 12th."

They further emphasized, "Defamatory 'personal attack' remarks constitute insult."

Earlier, on the 29th of last month, during the confirmation hearing of Lee Jin-sook, chairperson of the Korea Communications Commission, Chairman Choi made a remark to Park Chung-kwon, a member of the People Power Party, saying, "Have you lived in a totalitarian state that you cannot see the principles of democracy?" Following the controversy, she apologized directly to Park during the meeting.

In addition, on the 26th of last month, during the hearing, Chairman Choi said to candidate Lee, "There is a problem with your brain structure." The candidate demanded an immediate apology, claiming insult, but Chairman Choi refused.