Ryu Ho-jeong's "Hey~"..."Something Every Young Person Experiences" Sparks Outrage

Ryu Ho-jeong's "Hey" Remark... Youth Say "Dismissed Because of Young Age"
Justice Party: "Would a Male Lawmaker Have Said 'Hey'?"

Ryu Ho-jeong, a member of the Justice Party, is questioning at the National Assembly's inspection of the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency and the Korea Trade Insurance Corporation held by the Industry, Trade, Energy, Small and Medium Business Committee on the morning of the 13th. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Choi Changhee, CEO of Gongyoung Home Shopping and former public relations advisor for Moon Jae-in's presidential campaign, sparked controversy on the 19th during a National Assembly audit when he addressed Justice Party lawmaker Ryu Hojeong with the word "Oi." Young people have criticized Choi's remark as a 'typical old-fashioned authoritarian behavior.'

Choi attended the National Assembly's Industry, Trade, Energy, Small and Medium Business Committee audit held that morning. He is known as the person who created the slogan "People First" while serving as a public relations advisor during Moon Jae-in's presidential candidacy.

The controversial remark arose during Ryu's questioning of Choi regarding allegations of false statements on the career certificate of the marketing director at Gongyoung Home Shopping.

Ryu pointed out, "The recruitment notice for the expert committee stated 20 years of relevant experience, but the applicant's resume does not meet the qualifications," accusing the expert committee member of falsely listing a 'contract position' as 'permanent.' Choi responded, "When we joined 20 years ago, we usually started as probationary employees. At that time, I don't think there was a distinction between contract and permanent positions."

When Ryu interrupted, saying, "That does not justify false statements," Choi said, "I think it was not judged as a false statement, oi. False statement, I don't think it was considered as such." Ryu replied with a bewildered expression, "Oi?" and Choi continued his answer.

Choi Chang-hee, CEO of KBS Home Shopping, is responding at the National Assembly's Industry, Trade, Energy, Small and Medium Enterprises Committee audit held on the 19th in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

In a resumed additional inquiry, Ryu criticized Choi, saying, "I felt like I am not even your friend," to which Choi explained, "I think I just said 'false,' but I'm not sure. Since I was wearing a mask, judging from the context, I think I said false, but if there was a misunderstanding, I apologize."

Gongyoung Home Shopping also issued a press release that day, stating, "We inform you that the expression was not intended as a form of address to lawmaker Ryu," explaining that "the word came out as an exclamatory interjection or a muttered expression during Choi's response to the inquiry."

However, despite this explanation, criticism continues among young people who consider Choi's remark rude. They point out that behaviors like Choi's, which seem to disregard younger people, frequently occur in everyday life among the older generation.

Office worker Lee (27) said, "Anyone in their teens or twenties has probably experienced attitudes that seem to belittle younger people just because of age. Would Choi have made such a remark if it were a different lawmaker, not Ryu Hojeong? It's a typical authoritarian behavior," criticizing, "It clearly shows the perception that it's acceptable to disregard younger people."

University student Seo (23) said, "Speaking informally or showing dismissive attitudes just because someone looks younger still happens frequently," adding, "Whether in public or private settings, basic manners should be observed. Choi's 'Oi' remark is something that anyone hearing it could find really unpleasant."

The Justice Party also promptly issued a statement expressing regret over Choi's remark.

Justice Party floor spokesperson Jang Hyeyoung said in an afternoon briefing, "It is as if not only lawmaker Ryu but the entire National Assembly, the representative institution of the people, was belittled," criticizing, "Although Choi eventually apologized during the audit, this should never have happened in the first place. The public is also outraged by this incident. Such behavior must never be repeated."

Chairperson of the Youth Justice Party Preparatory Committee Kang Minjin also commented, "When lawmaker Ryu raised the issue, it is even more absurd that Choi did not acknowledge the rudeness and instead dismissed it as a mere exclamatory interjection," pointing out, "Today's incident clearly shows the difficulties young politicians face within the political sphere."

Kang further stated, "Regardless of age, young lawmakers including Ryu are elected representatives of the people. While it is common to occasionally interrupt during National Assembly audit Q&A sessions, it is unimaginable to stop a lawmaker's question with the word 'Oi,'" urging an official apology from Choi.

Justice Party vice-chair Bae Bokju also criticized on her Facebook, saying, "Because lawmaker Ryu Hojeong is in her twenties, it was easy to say 'Oi,' and because she is a woman in her twenties, it was possible," adding, "If an older male lawmaker had heard such words, would he have stayed silent? Choi Changhee must apologize for that rudeness, whether it was a mistake or intentional."

Meanwhile, Ryu, born in 1992 and 28 years old this year, is the Justice Party's number one proportional representative and the youngest member of the 21st National Assembly.

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