Hong Jun-pyo: "Ministry of National Defense has fallen to 'Chubangbu,' defending Chu's son"

Independent lawmaker Hong Jun-pyo is questioning at the confirmation hearing for Defense Minister nominee Seo Wook held at the National Assembly on the 16th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Independent lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo criticized the Ministry of National Defense for becoming a 'Chubangbu' (a pun on the Ministry of National Defense and Minister Chu Mi-ae's name) that protects Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae's son.

On the afternoon of the 16th, Hong posted on his Facebook, "Politics is merely a passing breeze, but the Ministry of National Defense going to the forefront to defend Chu Mi-ae's son means that the Ministry of National Defense (國防部), which protects the country, has fallen to become the 'Chubangbu' (秋防部)."

He continued, "If respect for the uniform falls and disappears like this, it will be difficult for South Korean soldiers to avoid criticism," adding, "An army without honor and pride is nothing but a ragtag group. I earnestly request that they conduct themselves like true soldiers."

Defense Minister nominee Seo Wook is attending the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 16th, responding to questions from lawmakers. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, Seo Wook, the nominee for Minister of National Defense, said at a parliamentary confirmation hearing regarding the controversy over the extension of Minister Chu's son's sick leave, "This matter is judged by commanders, so it is difficult to uniformly say it is a special favor. It varies depending on the commanders' positions and each soldier's case," adding, "We need to comprehensively assess the situation the patient is in."

He further explained, "Military regulations do not have any provisions to grant special favors to anyone," and "Everyone should be treated equally, but there is a commander's discretion depending on the unit and the case."

Also, Seo, currently the Chief of Staff of the Army, said, "As the Chief of Staff, I have taken measures to ensure sincere cooperation with the prosecution's investigation," and "Once the results come out, we will identify the problems within our military and take follow-up actions."

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