Democratic Party: "We Must Identify the Voice Behind 'Don't Wildfires Happen in Honam?' in the Assembly Hall"

Audio from Plenary Session Released, Public Apology Demanded
Han Junho: "Truly Appalling, A Familiar Voice"
Kim Byungjoo: "Unfit for Office, Must Be Expelled"

The Democratic Party of Korea has demanded a public apology regarding the comment, "Don't wildfires happen in Honam?" which was made during the National Assembly plenary session when the 'Special Act on the Gyeongbuk Wildfire' was put to a vote. The Democratic Party released an audio recording containing the remark and urged the person responsible to reflect on their actions.

On September 26, Han Junho, Supreme Council Member of the Democratic Party, played the audio of a female lawmaker's voice saying, "Don't wildfires happen in Honam?" and the sound of laughter that followed, during the expanded executive meeting of the Democratic Party at the National Assembly. He stated, "During the process of voting on the bill, a female lawmaker from the People Power Party was unexpectedly caught making a malicious remark."

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the expanded executive meeting held at the National Assembly on September 26, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Regarding this, Supreme Council Member Han said, "Isn't this truly appalling? Although it is difficult to identify the speaker based solely on the audio, the voice is very familiar. The People Power Party, which produced Yoon Sukyeol, the ringleader of the insurrection, and continues to support and defend that insurrection, has reached a level of vulgarity that is unfathomable."

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, commented, "This is such an inappropriate remark that we need to clarify it further and inform the entire nation of the facts," adding, "Let's find out who made this statement."

Kim Byungjoo, Supreme Council Member of the Democratic Party, mentioned the recovery efforts by the Democratic Party and others during this year's Gyeongbuk wildfire, and said, "In the face of disaster, members of the National Assembly should stand united. We must identify the person who made such a comment about Honam. This person is not qualified to be a lawmaker and should be expelled from the Assembly. We must identify the voice and ensure expulsion," he insisted.