"Appearing on a Variety Show During a National Disaster"
"Must Disclose His Actions to the Public and Offer a Sincere Apology"
Assemblyman Seo Beomsoo of the People Power Party criticized President Lee Jaemyung for filming the JTBC variety show "Please Take Care of My Refrigerator" on September 28, two days after the fire at the National Information Resources Service (NIRS), saying, "The shadow of Emperor Nero overlaps here."
On October 4, Assemblyman Seo strongly criticized the president on his Facebook page, stating, "While the national administrative network was burning and administrative services for tens of millions of citizens were paralyzed, the president was laughing and chatting while filming a variety show."
He continued, "The person who once called for a competent government was showing off his 'variety show sensibility' in front of the camera while Korea's digital government was burning. Is this a president, or a celebrity intoxicated with self-promotion?" He further pointed out, "After returning empty-handed from a diplomatic disaster and remaining invisible during the fire recovery, he finally made his presence felt only on a variety show."
He added, "With the same mouth that scolded public officials for not having holidays, he made sure to keep his own filming schedule. President Lee's style of leadership has ultimately been revealed as nothing but hypocritical words and indifference." He went on to say, "During the Icheon logistics warehouse fire, he only received reports while filming a tteokbokki mukbang and went to the site 20 hours later. During this summer's heavy rains, while the people were submerged, he went on vacation. He remains silent in times of crisis, but responds immediately to shows."
In particular, regarding the tragic suicide of a Ministry of the Interior and Safety official who participated in the restoration of the administrative network, Seo said, "Responsibility does not go upward, but only sacrifice falls downward. While a public servant who dedicated himself to the nation has died, the president remains silent. This is the bare face of power without shame or guilt."
Seo also stated that President Lee should report all his actions during that time to the public down to the second and sincerely apologize. He urged, "All those responsible for bringing this situation to such a state should be dismissed and brought to justice."
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