Park Yong-jin, Chu Mi-ae on 'Son's Military Privilege' Allegations: "Minister of Justice Entangled in Such Controversy"

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

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kang Juhee] Park Yongjin, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, commented on the allegations regarding the absence without leave of Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae's son during military leave, saying, "It is regrettable that a minister who deals with fairness and justice is caught up in such a controversy."

On the 2nd, Park appeared on CBS Radio's Kim Hyun-jung News Show and said, "Issues related to education and military service are particularly sensitive to our citizens and are important matters of fairness and justice."

He continued, "Since both Minister Choo and her son maintain that they are innocent regarding the controversy, I think it is necessary for the prosecution to quickly resolve the matter and reveal any injustices if they exist."

Park added, "The investigation is not complicated; it is a simple matter. I believe it will be over once the prosecution announces the investigation results," and pointed out that this issue should not be turned into a political dispute.

In response, Seong Il-jong, a member of the United Future Party who appeared together, said, "The military is a place where strict military discipline is enforced according to orders," and argued that administrative errors cannot occur.

He added, "Currently, there is no leave order from the military doctor’s opinion, hospital diagnosis, or electronic records. If these facts were violated, the commanding officer at that time must be subject to military criminal law."

Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae is listening to a lawmaker's question at the full meeting of the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts held at the National Assembly on the 25th of last month. Photo by Yonhap News

Earlier, Shin Won-sik, a member of the United Future Party, revealed on the 1st through National Assembly Defense Committee inquiry materials that "a person who identified themselves as an aide to Representative Choo Mi-ae called military personnel A and inquired whether Private Seo's (Minister Choo’s son) sick leave, which was about to end, could be extended as he planned to rest and recover at home rather than outpatient treatment or hospitalization."

Shin also raised allegations of unauthorized absence and desertion from the duty station, stating, "There is no record or data whatsoever to support the first and second sick leaves (19 days) among the total 23 days of leave that Private Seo took at that time."

In response, Minister Choo appeared before the National Assembly Budget and Accounts Committee on the same day and denied the allegations, saying, "This is not true. Under normal circumstances, it would be considered abuse of power," but added, "Why would an aide receive instructions for personal matters? There is no such fact."

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