Kim Tae-nyeon on Allegations Against Chu's Children: "Opposition's Baseless Accusations"

"He directly explained, 'It was done according to the sick leave and vacation regulations for son Seo Mo'"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Kim Tae-nyeon, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized the allegations of preferential treatment in military service for the children of Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae on the 15th as a "typical opposition party's groundless claim of a deer turning into a horse" and directly clarified the facts.

Kim Tae-nyeon, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the party strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 15th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

At the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly that morning, Floor Leader Kim said, "This matter, which is not problematic at all, has been exaggerated as a huge power-type corruption due to the opposition party's reckless political assault."

Referring to the exchange of arguments between the ruling and opposition parties regarding Minister Choo during the government questioning session the previous day (14th), he said, "The government questioning session, which should discuss state affairs, has been turned into a hearing for Minister Choo's son," adding, "The fact is that a young man took sick leave during his military service to undergo knee surgery, and because his condition did not improve, he extended his personal leave for treatment."

He continued, "Since the facts are being concealed and falsehoods are being disguised as truth, I want to clarify the facts once again," and began his explanation. Floor Leader Kim said, "First, the claim by the initial informant, Mr. Hyun, is likely a misunderstanding or misconception that makes it difficult to establish the facts," explaining, "The return date from leave for Mr. Seo (Minister Choo's child) was June 23, 2017, but Mr. Hyun said he only found out on the night of the 25th. Since personnel management is done twice a day through roll calls, it is impossible to identify a non-returnee from the 23rd only by the evening of the 25th."

He added, "The opposition claims that Mr. Seo did not submit documents for sick leave extension and did not undergo a recuperation review. However, Mr. Seo submitted the relevant documents via email, and the captain in charge, who has the authority to approve, approved them," emphasizing, "According to the Ministry of National Defense regulations, sick leave for Mr. Seo is not subject to recuperation review. Since 2016, there has not been a single case of active-duty personnel who were not hospitalized receiving a recuperation review."

He said, "The opposition argues that Mr. Seo should have returned after applying for personal leave," and added, "If there is approval from the person in charge, it is possible to use leave even while not having returned. In cases of unavoidable reasons during leave, applications can be made via phone, email, or KakaoTalk."

Floor Leader Kim stated, "Mr. Seo's sick leave and personal leave were conducted according to regulations. I question whether this matter should be expanded and reproduced like this when it concerns the son of the current Minister of Justice, who is leading prosecutorial reform," and explained the reason for his clarification, saying, "There should be no preferential treatment, but there should also be no injustice." He urged, "Since the prosecution is conducting an investigation, leave the investigation to the prosecution, and I ask the opposition party to now focus on the work of the National Assembly."

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