Chief Spokespersons of Ruling and Opposition Parties
Exchange Apologies, Creating a Warm Atmosphere
Park Soo-hyun, chief spokesperson of the Democratic Party of Korea, praised Park Sung-hoon, chief spokesperson of the People Power Party, for apologizing over an attack made in a commentary, saying, "I'm sorry for not fulfilling my role as a senior."
On October 10, Park Soo-hyun posted on his Facebook page under the title "I Praise Assemblyman Park Sung-hoon," stating, "As the chief spokesperson of the Democratic Party of Korea, I am praising Assemblyman Park Sung-hoon, the chief spokesperson of the People Power Party."
Park Soo-hyun explained, "Yesterday afternoon, I received a text message from Assemblyman Park Sung-hoon saying, 'I'm sorry for attacking you in the commentary,'" and added, "The chief spokesperson of each party is tasked with representing their party's position, and in doing so, sometimes has no choice but to attack the other side with harsh language."
He continued, "Moreover, since I initiated the exchange by referring to him as a 'poisonous mushroom,' Park Sung-hoon, as chief spokesperson, inevitably responded with the term 'fungus.' It weighed on his mind, so he apologized to me. He is truly a kind and sensitive person," Park added, also noting, "Perhaps he is a person of great courage."
He went on to say, "Since I was the one who attacked first, if anyone was to apologize, it should have been me," and expressed, "I'm sorry for not acting as a proper senior."
Addressing Park Sung-hoon, Park Soo-hyun recalled, "After the luncheon meeting between the president and the leaders of both parties on September 8, the chief spokespersons of both parties held a joint briefing. Although our joint briefing was overshadowed by the news about the president and party leaders, I believe we accomplished something meaningful."
He further stated, "Assemblyman Park Sung-hoon's courageous words today are once again leading us in a positive direction. I am grateful and supportive." Park Soo-hyun concluded, "I also regret having used excessive expressions. I hope the relationship between the two parties can move forward, step by step, toward 'trust and empathy' for the people."
Previously, on October 8, Park Sung-hoon had stated in a commentary, "Park Soo-hyun, chief spokesperson of the Democratic Party of Korea, did not hesitate to make harsh remarks today, saying that the People Power Party is 'raising its head like a poisonous mushroom.' Before calling others poisonous mushrooms, the Democratic Party should reflect on how its own arrogance is becoming a fungus that eats away at the Republic of Korea," he countered.
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