Choo Mi-ae: "Son Controversy Confirmed to Have Started from Informant's Misunderstanding and Speculation"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] On the 14th, Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae addressed allegations of preferential treatment during her son's military service, stating, "(The controversy) started from a whistleblower, but it is being confirmed that the whistleblower likely began from various misunderstandings and groundless suspicions."

During the afternoon's National Assembly interpellation, in response to People's Party lawmaker Lee Tae-gyu's question, "Do you consider the opposition's claims and media reports as political attacks or exaggerations?" Minister Choo replied, "It's not just my perception; it was reported and confirmed through this morning's News Factory (TBC Radio), wasn't it?"

When asked whether she considers the testimony of the whistleblower, a duty soldier, to be false, she added, "Rather than a subjective judgment, isn't there evidence that it is false?" When Lee asked, "Why do you think they testified revealing their real names? Do you believe it is due to conspiracy theories by the opposition or other forces?" Minister Choo responded, "If such reasonable suspicion is possible, shouldn't it be investigated?" leaving room for consideration.

Regarding the basis of suspicion, Minister Choo claimed, "The lawmaker who recorded the testimony (Lawmaker Shin Won-sik) made remarks about the president's resignation at the Taegeukgi rallies and played a leading role in highly political outdoor protests," adding, "I believe even some within the ruling party can raise a series of related concerns."

Lawmaker Lee referred to media reports based on conversations between Minister Choo's son, Mr. Seo, and his military colleagues on SNS, pointing out that "the son is receiving special treatment in the military." Minister Choo raised her voice, saying, "Is there evidence that it can be specifically identified as my son? It is regrettable that my son is being treated like a criminal and forcibly linked by digging through SNS."

In response to Lee's suggestion to take legal action if it is judged to be fake news, she said, "I was indiscriminately attacked without time to think, and when I tried to muzzle the media, I was attacked again," adding, "I will take note of your remark that the media spreading fake news should be muzzled."

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