Park Yong-jin, Chu Mi-ae on 'Novel' Remarks Controversy: "Embarrassed and Regretful"

"Appeal to Opposition Lawmakers... This Is Not a Ministerial Hearing"

Park Yong-jin, Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] On the 29th, Park Yong-jin, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, commented on the recent incident where Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae responded to opposition party lawmakers' questions during the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee plenary session by saying "You're writing a novel," which led to the committee's disruption. He stated, "It is somewhat awkward and regrettable as it gives the impression of expressing personal emotions." He also emphasized that the Legislation and Judiciary Committee is a place to discuss state affairs, not a ministerial hearing.

On the same day, Park appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and said, "Even if a lawmaker's question is unpleasant, if it concerns personal matters, usually the minister is given time after the questioning ends. The minister could have spoken calmly then, but it seems she was very upset," expressing his view.

Earlier, on the 27th, during the Legislation and Judiciary Committee meeting, when Yoon Han-hong, a member of the United Future Party, asked Deputy Minister of Justice Ko Ki-young whether he had overlooked the investigation into Minister Choo's son's military leave absence during his time as head of the Eastern District Prosecutors' Office and whether that was why he became deputy minister, Minister Choo responded by saying, "You're writing a novel," which caused a commotion and the meeting was temporarily adjourned.

Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae is responding to lawmakers' requests for document submission at the National Assembly Judiciary Committee plenary meeting held on the afternoon of the 27th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the United Future Party, Park said, "First, I want to ask the opposition lawmakers to remember that this is not a ministerial hearing. It is not a place to pry into personal or family matters," adding, "It is inappropriate to keep bringing up the minister's son's issues to corner the minister in a place meant for discussing state affairs. I hope they focus on their original role."

He also said, "When Representative Yoon asked Representative Kim Nam-guk if he was a Ministry of Justice employee, it was a serious insult to a lawmaker and should not be done among colleagues. I think both sides should calmly focus on the committee's original role regarding these issues."

Earlier, after Minister Choo's "novel" remark, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Nam-guk protested the ensuing heated debate between the ruling and opposition parties by saying, "Just because you're a lawmaker doesn't mean you can ask questions freely and insult the minister. If you have grounds, ask with evidence." United Future Party lawmakers raised their voices again, asking Kim, "Are you a Ministry of Justice employee or the minister's secretary?"

United Future Party lawmaker Jang Je-won protested to Yoon Ho-jung, chairman of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, saying, "Restrict Representative Kim. What is this?" Eventually, Chairman Yoon declared a recess.

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