Song Miryung Apologizes for "Nongmang Act" Remark... Both People Power Party and Progressive Party Call for Resignation

Minister Song Appears at National Assembly Agriculture and Fisheries Committee Plenary Session
Jeon Jongdeok: "Income Decreased and Only Debt Increased During Song's Tenure"
Kang Myunggu: "Opportunistic Conduct... An Insult to Civil Servants"

Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Miryung issued an official apology on the 25th for referring to the four major agricultural bills, including the Grain Management Act amendment, as the "Nongmang Act" (literally, "the law that ruins rural areas"). However, not only the People Power Party but also the Progressive Party called for Minister Song's resignation.

Appearing at the National Assembly's Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee plenary session that day, Minister Song stated, "My use of that expression was a desperate attempt to urge reconsideration, as the four agricultural bills could have adverse side effects." She added, "I apologize for the harshness of my language in expressing that sense of urgency."

Minister Song, who served as Minister of Agriculture under the previous Yoon Suk Yeol administration and was retained under the Lee Jaemyung administration, had previously recommended the exercise of the right to request reconsideration (veto) on the four major agricultural bills. These include the Grain Management Act amendment, which centers on the mandatory purchase of surplus rice; the Act on Distribution and Price Stabilization of Agricultural and Fishery Products, which introduces a minimum price guarantee for agricultural products; the Agricultural and Fishery Disaster Insurance Act; and the Agricultural and Fishery Disaster Countermeasures Act. She referred to these collectively as the "Nongmang Act."

However, she emphasized that she has never disagreed with the intent of the bills to stabilize farm management and income. "I believe that flexible pragmatism, state responsibility in agricultural policy, and ensuring the nation's food supply should be the overarching principles. In line with the new administration's philosophy, I will proactively reconsider the bills and policies that have been points of contention," she said. "I promise to review these matters and communicate with lawmakers and agricultural organizations."

Yonhap News Agency

Nevertheless, both the Progressive Party and the People Power Party demanded Minister Song's resignation. Jeon Jongdeok, a lawmaker from the Progressive Party, stated, "Last year, agricultural income was 9.67 million won, falling below 10 million won for the first time, a decrease from the previous year. Meanwhile, debt increased by 4.5 million won, a 6.3% rise. Incomes are shrinking while only debt is growing. The lives of farmers are on the verge of collapse. This is the result of agricultural policy during Minister Song Miryung's tenure." He continued, "Your stance changes constantly, so how can farmers trust you? If you have any conscience, you should apologize to the farmers and resign voluntarily."

Kang Myunggu, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, also criticized, "Have you ever been accused of opportunism? In the previous administration, you repeatedly expressed opposition to the four agricultural bills and did not request a presidential veto. Upon your reappointment, you said you would actively reconsider them in line with the new administration's philosophy." He continued, "To reverse your position so abruptly is an insult to other civil servants who served with conviction in the previous administration." He added, "If you continue to oppose the four so-called 'Nongmang Acts,' that would be one thing, but if you push them forward again, you should resign."