[2025 Audit] Ruling and Opposition Parties Clash Again Over "Pathetic" in Science Committee... Unprecedented Witness Absence and Reporter Expulsion

"Pathetic Guy" Text Message Dispute Resurfaces
Audit Disrupted Again in Both Morning and Afternoon
No Q&A on Nuclear Safety or Space Agency Issues

The National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Communications Committee audit on October 16 was repeatedly disrupted due to a dispute over the use of the term "pathetic" in text messages exchanged between Assemblyman Kim Wooyoung of the Democratic Party of Korea and Assemblyman Park Junghoon of the People Power Party. In particular, during the afternoon session-held without the attendance of any witnesses or reference persons-tensions escalated as both parties exchanged heated remarks. Chairperson Choi Minhee forcibly ordered all journalists covering the meeting to leave and proceeded to convert the session into a closed-door meeting.

Chairperson Choi interrupted Democratic Party Assemblyman Kim Hyun, the ruling party’s secretary, during his remarks and said, “(Photo and video journalists) are selectively filming, so I ask the reporters to leave. I will convert the session to a closed-door meeting.”

She then addressed the committee members, saying, “Is there any member who opposes the closed-door session? No? I ask for your understanding. Although this is during the audit, I will temporarily suspend the session to process an agenda item.” She continued, “I am introducing an agenda regarding a member's personal matter. We have decided to conduct this in private. I hereby declare the session will proceed behind closed doors.” The live broadcast of the audit on National Assembly TV was also suspended.

It is considered highly unusual for the National Assembly to exclude both witnesses and reference persons and to order journalists to leave, all due to disputes over personal conflicts between ruling and opposition party members during a national audit. According to the Act on the Inspection and Investigation by the National Assembly, “Audits and investigations are to be conducted publicly. However, the committee may decide otherwise by resolution.” The National Assembly Act also states, “Except when the plenary session or committee has resolved not to make it public, the Speaker or Chairperson may permit recording, filming, and broadcasting in the chamber (limited to the gallery in the plenary session) as prescribed by National Assembly regulations.” Generally, unless both parties agree for reasons such as national security, protection of personal privacy, or to avoid influencing ongoing trials or investigations, journalists are not ordered to leave.

At the 2025 National Audit held on the 16th by the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Communications Committee, Chairperson Choi Minhee declared the press to leave, and the meeting is being conducted privately. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

This is not the first time the audit has been disrupted due to conflicts between Assemblyman Kim and Assemblyman Park. Previously, during the audit on October 14, Assemblyman Kim disclosed a disparaging text message sent by Assemblyman Park in early September, revealing Park’s mobile phone number. In the photo released by Assemblyman Kim, Assemblyman Park sent a message reading, “Sigh, you pathetic guy.” Assemblyman Park countered, claiming that Assemblyman Kim had also sent abusive messages. In response, Assemblyman Kim publicly released his call and message records on this day, stating, “I never sent such messages.” Outside the Assembly, the Democratic Party filed a police complaint against Assemblyman Park, while the People Power Party did the same against Assemblyman Kim, escalating the confrontation to its extreme.

Even on the morning of October 16, as the dispute devolved into a contest over the truth, Chairperson Choi pressured Assemblyman Park to provide an explanation, to which Park retorted, “Is this a hearing?” As the situation escalated with both parties shouting at each other, Chairperson Choi suspended the audit after about 40 minutes. The heads of the audited agencies only managed to deliver opening remarks, with no questions on current issues being raised.

The afternoon session also failed to proceed normally, as witnesses and reference persons were still absent. During the resumed session, Assemblyman Kim called the abusive text message alleged by Assemblyman Park “false information,” adding, “I have also filed a lawsuit, so let’s let the judiciary decide.” Assemblyman Park responded, “Because he called me pathetic, I replied, ‘That word only suits you. Look in the mirror, you uncreative guy.’ Why don’t you release that? The only thing Assemblyman Kim has gained is the title of ‘the nation’s pathetic guy,’” intensifying his criticism.

The conflict between Assemblyman Kim and Assemblyman Park resurfaced after the public hearing on broadcasting, media, and communications governance reform held by the committee on September 5. At the time, Assemblyman Park remarked that the Democratic Party “reminded him of the National Security Planning Committee.” Afterwards, Assemblyman Kim released a photo taken by Chun Doohwan’s group after the 12·12 military coup, marking the person sitting next to Chun with a red circle and labeling him as “former Minister of Transportation Cha Kyuhun.” The two also clashed over the so-called “collar-grabbing incident” that occurred in the committee’s subcommittee room after the hearing. Assemblyman Park claimed, “Assemblyman Kim grabbed my collar,” while Assemblyman Kim countered, “I was on the phone when Assemblyman Park picked a fight, saying, ‘Why are you here?’”

Due to the ongoing personal conflict between ruling and opposition party members, the audit has not been able to address key issues. The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission is currently reviewing the extension of operational lifespans for five nuclear reactors, including Kori Unit 2, which have either ceased operations or are scheduled for shutdown due to the expiration of their design life under the previous administration’s “nuclear power promotion” policy. Issues such as repeated launches of the Nuri rocket by the Korea Aerospace Administration and the transition to private sector-led space development, including securing commercial launch rights, were also scheduled for discussion, but not a single question-and-answer session took place.

Yonhap News Agency