20 People Power Party Lawmakers Submit Disciplinary Request Against Kang Sunwoo on July 24
Yoo Sangbum: "Conduct Unbecoming of a Person... Nationwide Outrage"
On July 24, the People Power Party submitted a disciplinary request to the National Assembly against Kang Sunwoo, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, over allegations of abuse of power towards her aides.
Yoo Sangbum, the People Power Party's chief deputy floor leader, visited the National Assembly's bill division that day to submit the disciplinary request. Speaking to reporters afterward, he stated, "The conduct shown by Representative Kang was inappropriate not only as a lawmaker but also as a person," adding, "We determined that she is unfit to serve as a lawmaker, which is why we have submitted this disciplinary request."
Yoo Sangbeom, the Deputy Floor Leader of the People Power Party, is submitting a disciplinary request against lawmaker Kang Sunwoo to the National Assembly Secretariat in Yeouido, Seoul on the 24th. Photo by Yonhap News
Yoo specifically criticized Kang, saying, "She should have respected her aides as colleagues, but in reality, she treated them as if they were servants. The entire nation was outraged by her behavior."
He went on to add, "I hope that, moving forward, lawmakers will be recognized by the public as civil servants who respect both their aides and the people they serve." He continued, "If a lawmaker fails to show personal respect for those they work with, that alone is enough to disqualify them from serving in the National Assembly. Regardless of party affiliation, such actions cannot be justified."
The People Power Party indicated in the disciplinary request that, under the National Assembly Act, lawmakers may be disciplined if they engage in conduct that brings disgrace to the dignity of the Assembly and draws public criticism. The request was jointly sponsored by 20 People Power Party lawmakers, including Yoo.
Addressing the Democratic Party, Yoo said, "It is clear that the Democratic Party leadership has provoked public outrage by defending Representative Kang," emphasizing, "The People Power Party will never unconditionally defend wrongdoing or fail to apologize for mistakes."
The previous day, Representative Kang voluntarily resigned just 30 days after her appointment, unable to overcome the negative public opinion caused by allegations of abuse of power towards her aides and controversy over her false explanations. On her social media account, Kang stated, "I will humbly accept this harsh criticism and live a life of reflection. I am sorry," expressing her intention to step down.
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