Democratic Party: "Choi Minhee's Return of Wedding Gifts Is Proper Conduct for a Public Official... Cannot Understand the Complaint"

Democratic Party Leadership: "No Current Discussion on the Trial Suspension Bill"
Park Suhyeon: "Choi Minhee’s Return of Wedding Gifts Was Appropriate Conduct"

Regarding the recent moves within a faction of the Democratic Party of Korea to revive the so-called "Lee Jaemyung Presidential Trial Suspension Act" (a proposed amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act), the party leadership drew a clear line, stating, "There are currently no plans to discuss it." In response to the incident where Choi Minhee, Chairperson of the National Assembly's Science, ICT, Broadcasting, and Communications Committee (a member of the Democratic Party), was seen returning congratulatory wedding gifts for her daughter during a plenary session, the Democratic Party commented, "She acted in a manner befitting public expectations as a public official."

Park Suhyeon, Chief Spokesperson of the Democratic Party, told reporters after the Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly on this day, "The party has not made any official announcement about discussing the trial suspension bill." Park added, "It is clear that opinions are being expressed on an individual basis at this time."

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 27th. 2025.10.27 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

He stated, "There have been calls for President Lee's suspended trial to be resumed, and since the court has not taken a clear position on this, it seems that some lawmakers are speaking out individually. However, it is not the case that the party leadership is officially discussing or planning to discuss the matter."

Regarding Chairperson Choi, Chief Spokesperson Park said, "I understand that the (reported) leaked phone screen yesterday was related to the process of returning congratulatory wedding gifts for her child’s wedding. As Chairperson of the Science, ICT, Broadcasting, and Communications Committee, returning congratulatory gifts from individuals or groups-especially those she may not be fully aware of-in relation to her position and duties is an action that meets public expectations for a public official." He continued, "I do not believe this is a matter that requires action at the party level," adding, "It is difficult to understand why the opposition would file a complaint against the Chairperson for behavior that aligns with public expectations."

Meanwhile, Park Sunghoon, Chief Spokesperson of the People Power Party, commented on the controversy surrounding Chairperson Choi’s wedding gifts, stating, "This issue involves several legal concerns. It could constitute extortion if money was taken from supervised agencies, or it could be considered bribery." He added, "We will proceed with the relevant legal procedures, including allegations of violating the Kim Youngran Act."