Opposition Criticizes Hong Young-pyo's 'Coup' Remark as "Disgrace Beyond Limit," "Grow Up" Flood of Criticism

Hong Young-pyo "Coup forces, Choo Mi-ae plot in the National Assembly"

Hong Young-pyo, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the confirmation hearing for Seo Wook, the nominee for Minister of National Defense, held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 16th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] On the 16th, Hong Young-pyo, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, sparked controversy by saying that "the forces that staged the coup are scheming in the National Assembly," prompting the People Power Party to oppose this and demand an apology from Hong.

Earlier, during the confirmation hearing for Seo Wook, the nominee for Minister of National Defense, held at the National Assembly that morning, Hong stated in a procedural remark, "Today is the confirmation hearing for the new Minister of National Defense," adding, "It seems the opposition party wants to turn this into a battleground again over Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae's case."

He continued, "In the past, forces that privatized the military and interfered in politics used to surveil civilians, conduct covert operations, and even stage coups," asserting, "Now that such things are no longer possible, those forces have come to the National Assembly to carry out their schemes."

In response, members of the People Power Party immediately opposed Hong's remarks. Shin Won-sik, a three-star general and member of the People Power Party, asked Hong, "Who are you referring to as the coup forces that entered the National Assembly? What do you mean by saying they schemed after entering here?" He raised his voice, demanding a clear explanation before proceeding with the hearing.

Similarly, Han Ki-ho, also a three-star general and member of the People Power Party, said, "I was a cadet at the Korea Military Academy during the May 16 coup," and protested, "If you call us coup forces, I will not participate in today's hearing."

Hong responded, "I said 'coup forces.' That is my perspective. I did not directly accuse the two of you of participating in the coup," expressing regret.

On the morning of the 16th, Han Ki-ho, a member of the People Power Party, is leaving the hearing room during the confirmation hearing of Seo Wook, the nominee for Minister of National Defense, held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, after taking issue with Hong Young-pyo of the Democratic Party of Korea's remark about the "coup forces entering the National Assembly."
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, the People Power Party continued its criticism, officially demanding an apology from Hong for his remarks.

Choi Hyung-doo, the floor spokesperson for the People Power Party, labeled Hong's remarks as "the coup conspiracy slander by the rescue forces of Choo Mi-ae," and sharply criticized, "The ruling party's agitation to 'save Choo Mi-ae' has exceeded the limit of patience."

He said, "After provoking nationwide anger among active and reserve soldiers with the 'KakaoTalk leave' remark, he even made offensive remarks at the Defense Minister confirmation hearing," adding, "Do you remember which party arrested and punished two former presidents who staged coups and eradicated private military organizations within the army? It was the New Korea Party's civilian government, which the People Power Party succeeded."

He continued, "To talk about 'coup forces' to lawmakers of the party that severed ties with military coups forever?are you sane?" He raised his voice, saying, "Moreover, this was the confirmation hearing for the Minister of National Defense, who is responsible for the strict military discipline of 600,000 soldiers protecting the country and citizens' lives without exception. Is the ruling party, which slandered the opposition lawmakers as 'coup forces' in their presence, a 'rescue force for the lawless minister'?"

Kim Ye-ryeong, a spokesperson from the same party, also issued a statement, saying, "We are just questioning the military privilege allegations involving Minister Choo's son on the basis of fairness and justice, but it was called a 'political conspiracy by coup forces,'" and pointed out, "Are the 'coup forces' mentioned by Hong the Republic of Korea Armed Forces that endured the history of this land with their bodies, or are they military officials testifying about the allegations involving Minister Choo's son?"

She urged Hong, saying, "Are you condemning the people who raise issues out of helplessness and loss of hope as the country flows into abnormality?" and "Apologize to the Republic of Korea soldiers who protect national defense while thinking of the people's safety even at this moment, and to the parents and citizens who anxiously send them to the military."

Kim Geun-sik, professor at Gyeongnam National University and chairman of the People Power Party's Songpa-byeong district in Seoul, also joined the criticism. On his Facebook that day, he said, "Is raising issues about Minister Choo's son's special leave a coup force? That's laughable," adding, "The People Power Party is the successor of the civilian government that punished coup forces for military rebellion and eradicated private military organizations."

He continued, "Is this a case of wasting time with offensive remarks because the hearing preparation is not properly done? As a senior ruling party member who even served as floor leader, please prepare properly for the hearing. I'm worried that first-term lawmakers might learn from this." He sarcastically added, "Please grow up."

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