Some members of the Democratic Party have come forward to defend Kim Namguk, the former Secretary for Digital Communication at the Presidential Office, who resigned following a controversy over alleged personnel solicitations. They are also taking a cautious stance regarding the future of Moon Jinseok, the Deputy Floor Leader, who was at the center of the text message controversy.
On the 4th, at the Yongsan Presidential Office, during the Senior Secretary Meeting chaired by President Lee Jae-myung, the seat of Kim Namguk, Secretary for Digital Communication, was empty at the beginning of the meeting. Photo by Yonhap News
On the 5th, Democratic Party lawmaker Park Ji-won stated on his social media, "In political circles, calling someone 'hyeong' (older brother), 'hyeongnim' (honorific for older brother), 'nuna' (older sister), or 'nunim' (honorific for older sister) is a part of the Democratic Party’s linguistic culture, used to address seniors and colleagues in a friendly manner." He was defending the fact that, in the SNS messages exchanged between former Secretary Kim and Democratic Party Deputy Floor Leader Moon Jinseok, which became controversial, Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik and First Deputy Secretary Kim Hyunji were referred to as "Hoon-sik hyeong" and "Hyunji nuna," respectively.
Regarding Deputy Floor Leader Moon, who issued an apology via social media the previous day, Park said, "Deputy Floor Leader Moon also made a sincere apology," adding, "Let us all reflect and use this as an opportunity to turn misfortune into a blessing."
As for the People Power Party launching attacks against Deputy Secretary Kim in light of this controversy, Park drew a line, saying, "The Deputy Secretary, who was caught in the crossfire, denies any involvement in solicitations or having a sibling-like relationship."
Park further added, "Compared to those who committed insurrection and neither acknowledge, reflect, nor apologize-and to Jang Donghyuk and his group who follow them-former Secretary Kim’s apology and resignation are far more commendable."
On the same day, Democratic Party lawmaker Kang Deukgu also wrote on social media, "I sincerely apologize to the people, and Kim Namguk is stepping down from everything to avoid causing any harm to the President. Because I know Kim Namguk, I still care for him. If the world throws stones at him, I will stand with him and take them too."
The Democratic Party is maintaining a cautious stance regarding the future of Deputy Floor Leader Moon. Chief Spokesperson Park Soo-hyun told reporters at the National Assembly, "We are closely monitoring and understanding the various circumstances," and added, "We understand that Deputy Floor Leader Moon has sincerely apologized."
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