[2024 National Audit] Kim Yong-hyun, Defense, says at audit, "If you can't speak up in military uniform, it's even more foolish"

Opposition's Apology Demand Met with "Regret Over Excessive Expression"

"I think it’s even more foolish not to speak up while wearing a military uniform."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 8th, at the National Assembly Defense Committee’s audit held at the Ministry of National Defense building in Yongsan, Seoul, Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun responded this way when Democratic Party lawmaker Hwang Hee criticized the attitude of Commander Yeo In-hyung of the Counterintelligence Command.

Earlier, during a process where Democratic Party lawmaker Boo Seung-chan, a former Ministry of National Defense spokesperson, pointed out the failure to submit requested materials, Commander Yeo continued to answer despite Boo telling her to stop, and during this, Boo shouted "Wait a moment!" several times. In a question from fellow party member Kim Min-seok asking, "Have you ever felt that former Minister Shin Won-sik had any issues with physical strength or memory?" Commander Yeo replied, "I don’t feel it’s necessary to answer that."

Later, given the opportunity to speak, Commander Yeo said she had been caught up in the so-called 'martial law rumor' raised by the Democratic Party side and had suffered "personal insults" over time, adding, "Therefore, I apologize for having reacted strongly."

Then, lawmaker Hwang questioned Minister Kim, saying, "How can someone in military uniform come out and speak to lawmakers like that... It seems she felt wronged, but still, that shouldn’t happen. If you wear a military uniform, you should have the corresponding responsibility and dignity. It seems like a ministerial responsibility." Minister Kim responded, "I respect that but do not agree. No matter how much you wear a military uniform, you have to speak up," adding the term 'foolish' (병신).

Afterwards, Democratic Party lawmaker Park Beom-gye criticized, "As the minister tried to defend Commander Yeo, even the word 'ㅇ신' came out," saying, "I think that’s inappropriate."

Lawmaker Park Seon-won, referring to the fact that Minister Kim and Commander Yeo are alumni of Chungam High School, sarcastically said, "The Chungam High School spirit is overflowing. Seeing the minister defend Commander Yeo reminds me of Jeon Du-hwan and Cha Ji-cheol, which is quite something," to which Minister Kim replied, "Thank you, I appreciate it."

Lawmaker Boo said, "This is the first time I’ve heard the word '병신' used in a standing committee chair," and urged, "I have never experienced such a National Assembly audit before, and I believe an apology must be received on this point."

When Seong Il-jong, chairman of the Defense Committee from the People Power Party, also suggested expressing a position, saying, "It seems there was harsh language," Minister Kim apologized, stating, "If you can’t speak up just because you’re wearing a military uniform, that’s not right. Rather, if you have something to say confidently, you should say it. I regret that my expression was excessive."