"Why Negotiate Using Minsik's Law as a Hostage?" Lee Su-jin vs. Na Kyung-won Clash in TV Debate

"Na Kyung-won, Taking Children Hostage" vs "Lee Su-jin, Is It a Blacklist?"

Lee Su-jin, the Democratic Party candidate (right), and Na Kyung-won, the United Future Party candidate running for the Dongjak-eul district in Seoul in the April 15 general election, are campaigning in their constituencies on the 6th. Candidate Na Kyung-won is at Isu Station, and candidate Lee Su-jin is in Sangdo-dong.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Lee Su-jin, the Democratic Party candidate running for Seoul Dongjak-eul in the April 15 general election, and Na Kyung-won, the United Future Party candidate, faced off in a TV debate hosted by the National Election Broadcasting Debate Commission on the 8th. On this day, the two candidates engaged in a heated discussion over the 'Min-sik Act,' which strengthens the punishment for perpetrators of traffic accidents within school zones.

Candidate Lee pointed out that the United Future Party used the 'Min-sik Act' as leverage in negotiations. Candidate Na previously rebutted, stating that during her time as the floor leader of the Liberty Korea Party (the predecessor of the United Future Party), she did not use the law as a bargaining tool.

The 'Min-sik Act' was named after Kim Min-sik (then 9 years old), who died after being hit by a vehicle while crossing a crosswalk in a school zone in Asan, Chungnam, last September.

This law imposes aggravated punishment for traffic accidents occurring in school zones. If a child dies due to the driver's negligence in a school zone, the driver can be sentenced to a minimum of three years in prison up to life imprisonment.

Additionally, if a child is injured, the driver can face imprisonment from at least one year up to 15 years or a fine ranging from 5 million to 30 million won. Due to this, concerns about the severity of the punishment continue to persist.

Candidate Lee asked Candidate Na, "I want to ask why you tried to negotiate by holding hostage a children's safety law named after children," adding, "I will not negotiate on issues related to children under any circumstances."

The implication of Lee's remark is interpreted as criticism of Na for delaying the passage of the 'Min-sik Act' in the National Assembly plenary session while serving as the floor leader of the Liberty Korea Party last year, during the ruling party's attempt to forcibly pass fast-track bills and the opposition's filibuster (legal obstruction of parliamentary proceedings).

Earlier, Candidate Na clarified that the 'Min-sik Act' was never subject to filibuster and denied allegations that she used it as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the opposition.

On December 1 last year, Na Kyung-won, then floor leader of the Liberty Korea Party, held a press conference at the National Assembly, stating, "It was the ruling party that prevented the 'Min-sik Act' from passing the plenary session," and added, "The 'Min-sik Act' was never subject to filibuster. If the plenary session had been held on November 29, the 'Min-sik Act' would have passed."

She argued that the Democratic Party decided not to attend the plenary session to block the filibuster, a legal parliamentary obstruction tactic, and that Speaker Moon Hee-sang did not convene the plenary session, resulting in the failure to pass the 'Min-sik Act.'

Na further emphasized, "(The Democratic Party) says 'the opposition blocked it,' but does that make any sense?" and urged, "Citizens, do not be deceived."

She also criticized, "If you really think the 'Min-sik Act' and other livelihood bills are urgent, why ignore the demands of the (Korea) Party and refuse to hold the plenary session?" and accused, "From the start, the ruling party had no intention to pass the 'Min-sik Act' and only intended to use it as a political oppression tool."

During the debate, Candidate Lee also questioned why the Liberty Korea Party opposed the 'Kindergarten Three Laws' in the past.

In response, Candidate Na said, "The Democratic Party pushed it through," and added, "You will realize that our proposal is much better," mentioning that Lee had previously claimed to be a victim of the judiciary blacklist.

Candidate Na, also a former judge, pointed out, "If you look at the book by Democratic Party candidate Lee Tan-hee, it is actually this candidate who supported efforts to block the International Human Rights Law Research Association meetings."

Candidate Lee retorted, "I have already sufficiently stated through the media that this is not true," and said, "Framing it this way is a political attack."

Candidate Na then responded, "Didn't you avoid answering whether you were a victim of the blacklist?" and urged, "Please answer properly."

The emergency disaster relief fund also became a topic of contention during the debate. Candidate Lee asked about Na Kyung-won's stance, saying, "There are opposing opinions within the United Future Party. There are also criticisms that it is 'populism for the general election'."

Candidate Na replied, "I find it difficult to readily agree to giving it to all citizens." In response, Candidate Lee said, "As soon as I came to Dongjak, I visited the district office to discuss measures to restore the people's economy," and emphasized the 'ruling party premium' by saying, "The government, the National Assembly, and Dongjak District will work as a 'one team' to win the war against COVID-19."

Candidate Na brought up Lee's pledge to relocate Daesin High School, located in Jongno, to Dongjak, saying, "Democratic Party candidate Lee Nak-yeon made opposing the relocation of Daesin High School his number one pledge," and questioned, "When you talk about a 'pledge one team,' can you really override Lee Nak-yeon's will and bring Daesin High School here?"

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.