Joo Ho-young: "Hwang Hee defamed Choo's public whistleblower... Reported to National Assembly Ethics Committee"

"Review of Various Measures to Protect Public Interest Whistleblowers"

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, is attending the Emergency Response Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 14th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy reporters Lee Ji-eun and Lim Chun-han] Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, criticized on the 14th that Rep. Hwang Hee of the Democratic Party publicly revealed the real name of the whistleblower related to the preferential treatment allegations involving former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae’s son, saying, “Rep. Hwang seriously defamed the whistleblower, a sergeant, by treating him like a criminal and is trying to suppress the young man’s righteous public interest report through intimidation and force,” adding, “By revealing the real name and marking the target, 'Moonbba' supporters are rushing in aggressively.”

At the emergency committee meeting held at the National Assembly that day, Floor Leader Joo said, “We will consider various measures to protect the whistleblower,” and “We have also decided to file a complaint against Rep. Hwang with the National Assembly Ethics Committee.”

Floor Leader Joo pointed out, “Minister Choo expressed regret to the public for causing concern over her son’s military service issues ahead of the government questioning but insisted there was absolutely no reason to violate procedures. There are many reasons to break procedures, especially to make military life easier,” adding, “Wouldn’t the prosecution investigating this case take her words as a guideline?”

He further stated, “Kim Kwan-jung, head of the Eastern District Prosecutors’ Office, was the chief of the Criminal Affairs Department at the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office and was effectively directing this investigation. Prosecutors who tried to exclude the sergeant’s testimony during the eight months of inadequate investigation are now returning to continue the investigation. Who would believe these results?” and emphasized, “You cannot cover the sky with your palm.”

Regarding the proposal to provide a 20,000 won nationwide communication subsidy, Floor Leader Joo said, “I cannot help but ask whether this is truly done out of concern for the country’s finances and with proper consideration,” adding, “Rather, it causes anger among the public, so withdrawing it would be a small consolation.”

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