Elected Representative Kim Yeji on Guide Dog Controversy at the National Assembly: "It Is Not a Harmful Object"

On the 1st, the guide dog 'Joy' sat next to candidate Kim Ye-ji attending the Future Korea Party election strategy meeting held at the National Assembly. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Hee-eun Park] Kim Ye-ji, the elected proportional representative of the Future Korea Party, appealed to allow her guide dog to enter the National Assembly.

On the 18th, Kim said on Facebook, "I cannot help but raise the issue of the controversy over the guide dog's entry into the National Assembly plenary session hall."

She also emphasized, "A guide dog is the eyes of a visually impaired person and a companion living being, not a harmful object or food."

Kim added, "Barrier free in the National Assembly, the hall of popular sovereignty, should not be limited to simply installing related facilities," and explained, "It is necessary for all members of the National Assembly to share the perception that it is an obligation, not just consideration."

She then said, "I think the National Assembly Secretariat is at the stage of looking for possible methods," and "I heard from the responsible department that 'Joy (the guide dog) is naturally allowed to enter, and they are thinking about how to provide more convenience.'"

Meanwhile, the current National Assembly Act does not have any provisions prohibiting animals from entering the plenary session hall or standing committee meeting rooms.

However, Article 148 of the National Assembly Act states that "Members shall not bring objects or food that interfere with the progress of meetings into the plenary session or committee meeting rooms."

Previously, during the 17th National Assembly in 2004, Jeong Hwa-won, a visually impaired former member of the Grand National Party, attempted several times to enter the plenary session hall accompanied by a guide dog. At that time, the National Assembly blocked the guide dog's entry citing "custom" as the reason.

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