Choi Minhee Cites "Spirit of Roh Moo-hyun" on Social Media, Criticizes False and Manipulated Information
People Power Party Considers "Bribery and Serious Accidents Punishment Act"
Democratic Party Argues "Refunding Congratulatory Money Takes Courag
Choi Minhee, Chairperson of the National Assembly Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Communications Committee (affiliated with the Democratic Party of Korea), who has found herself embroiled in controversy over wedding congratulatory money, invoked the "spirit of Roh Moo-hyun" and argued that people should not be swayed by false and fabricated information. Her comments suggest that she regards allegations of violating the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act as "false and fabricated information."
On October 28, Chairperson Choi referenced "regulatory T cells," which prevent autoimmune diseases caused by immune cells, on her social media account. She stated, "While participating in the movement to normalize the media, I have always thought that malicious false and fabricated information is like cancer cells that corrupt social values." She continued, "The key is that I, that we, must not lose our judgment! We must remain vigilant so as not to be swayed by false and fabricated information!" She added, "The organized power of awakened citizens! As enlightened citizens, let us play the role of smart regulatory T cells!"
Chairperson Choi has faced criticism over allegations that, during the National Assembly audit period, she held a wedding at the National Assembly and exerted pressure on audited agencies, as well as controversy over congratulatory money that arose when she sent text messages during a plenary session.
Choi Minhee, Chairperson of the National Assembly Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Communications Committee. Yonhap News
In response to the controversy, the People Power Party called for Chairperson Choi’s resignation. Song Eon-seok, the party’s floor leader, stated at a National Assembly audit countermeasure meeting that "even if a bribe is returned, the crime of bribery is still established," and pointed out, "The amount of 1 million won received from the audited agencies is by no means a small sum and is not in line with common social norms." He added, "The very act of holding a wedding at the National Assembly during the audit period and distributing mobile invitations containing account numbers and card payment options was itself a subtle form of pressure on the audited agencies." He argued, "Chairperson Choi is unfit to serve as the committee chair, not only in terms of legal responsibility but also from a moral standpoint." Choi Sujin, chief spokesperson for the People Power Party, stated regarding Chairperson Choi, "We are considering filing a criminal complaint for bribery," and added, "During her tenure, three staff members were hospitalized due to overwork and stress. According to the Serious Accidents Punishment Act, if three or more people suffer from occupational diseases within a year, punishment is possible, so we are also considering action under this law."
Chun Haram, floor leader of the Reform Party, also stated in an SBS radio interview, "According to the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, receiving money from organizations with relevant interests or job-related connections can be a violation of the law." He continued, "It could even rise to the level of bribery, making an investigation inevitable." Regarding the decision to return congratulatory money received from organizations related to Chairperson Choi’s official duties, he said, "At the very least, the basic facts need to be confirmed."
However, the Democratic Party defended Chairperson Choi, arguing that there is room for understanding as she is attempting to refund problematic congratulatory money and similar issues.
Park Soo-hyun, chief spokesperson for the Democratic Party, said in a KBS radio interview, "During the last audit, for example, ordering a media executive to leave or being photographed handling personal work on a mobile phone in the plenary session could be criticized as inappropriate," but added, "If congratulatory money was received from individuals or organizations related to her official duties as committee chair, or from unidentified persons, it is regrettable to accuse her of wrongdoing for returning money that could present a conflict of interest." Park continued, "Among so-called politicians, has anyone made an effort, like Assemblywoman Choi Minhee, to identify and return congratulatory or condolence money that could present a conflict of interest?" He argued, "Selecting and refunding such money that could present a conflict of interest also requires courage."
Park Sang-hyuk, deputy chief of public communication for the Democratic Party, said in a YTN radio interview, "I hope people understand that (Chairperson Choi) acted quickly to avoid unnecessary controversy," and added, "Going forward, more lawmakers will need to act with greater caution in the plenary session."
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