Joo Ho-young: "Phone Inquiry Would Have Been Impossible for an Ordinary Soldier"

Chu "Apologize to the People for Son's Military Issue"

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Emergency Response Committee meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 14th. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, criticized the allegations of "special leave" during the military service of Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae's son, Seo Mo (27), saying, "Such opportunities are not given to ordinary soldiers."

In an interview on the 14th with CBS Radio's 'Sisa Jaki, Jeong Gwan-yong imnida,' Floor Leader Joo said, "Ordinary people are not admitted, and sick leave extensions are absolutely not allowed. If all soldiers say 'I can't come in because I'm sick,' how great would a unit be if a captain granted a second extension of sick leave?"

He continued, "I will watch how many leave extensions will be granted through phone inquiries in the future," and pointed out, "Among the reports we have received, there are even people who lost their sons after being told no despite being sick and staying in a military hospital, then being sent out to training."

He added, "Wouldn't the public be watching whether privileges or special favors were involved or not?"

Regarding the delay in the prosecution investigation, he emphasized, "Whether it's a special prosecutor or a special investigation team, the current investigation team is not acceptable. They have dragged it out for eight months without reaching a conclusion and have shown signs of trying to cover up, so absolutely not," and said, "There must be a team that can operate independently to resolve this issue. If the people who helped Minister Choo from her appointment until now conduct the investigation, it would be like declaring oneself innocent in one's own trial, so it is unacceptable."

Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae is attending the government-related questions session in the political field held at the National Assembly plenary session on the 14th, responding to lawmakers' inquiries. Photo by Yonhap News

He also criticized Minister Choo's apology statement, saying, "It was an insincere apology made ahead of the National Assembly's government questioning session."

Floor Leader Joo said, "She said she was sorry, but did not properly explain what she was sorry for," and added, "I think she did that to try to change the atmosphere that had made the representatives of the people, the members of the National Assembly, uncomfortable with remarks like 'writing novels' until now, ahead of the government questioning."

Earlier, on the 13th, Minister Choo posted a statement on her Facebook, apologizing, "I am causing concern due to issues during my son's military service. First, I sincerely apologize to the public."

Minister Choo explained, "My son underwent surgery on his left knee before enlistment but enlisted without avoidance because I was worried about political controversy. During his military service, he had to undergo surgery on his right knee as well. Therefore, he took sick leave to have surgery on his right knee at the same hospital where he had surgery on his left knee," and added, "The hospital diagnosed that more than three months of rest was necessary after surgery, but my son returned to the unit in less than a month. Of course, he completed the remainder of his military service. That is all."

She continued, "Falsehoods and distortions may temporarily obscure the truth, but they cannot hide it forever. I have upheld principles in the face of any adversity," and said, "This incident has made me reflect on myself. I will examine my attitude more humbly and consider it more deeply."

Finally, she added, "I believe that fulfilling my responsibilities unwaveringly in prosecutorial reform is the will of the people and my fateful duty," and said, "I will definitely complete prosecutorial reform."

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