[Summary] Kang Hoon-sik 'Plays Games Again' During National Audit...Opposition Says "Seems to Treat Audit Hall Like a Playground"

Kang Hoon-sik "Reflecting and Refraining from Mobile Games in the National Assembly"
People Power Party "Democratic Party Should Take Action Against Rep. Kang"
Justice Party "No Excuse for Doing It Twice"

On the 22nd, Kang Hoon-sik, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, was seen playing a mobile game on his cellphone during a comprehensive audit of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy at the Industry, Trade, and Small and Medium Enterprises Committee held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] On the 22nd, Kang Hoon-sik, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, was caught playing a mobile game during a National Assembly audit, sparking criticism. Notably, Kang was also seen playing a mobile game during a National Assembly audit three years ago in 2017, which had previously drawn public disapproval. In response to the controversy, Kang apologized, saying, "I will reflect on my actions."

On that day, Kang attended the comprehensive audit of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy by the National Assembly's Industry, Trade, Energy, Small and Medium Enterprises Committee. While another member was questioning, Kang played a mobile game on his phone, and the scene was captured by reporters' cameras.

This is not the first time Kang has played a mobile game during a National Assembly audit. On October 25, 2017, during the Seoul City audit by the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee held at Seoul City Hall, he was also caught playing a mobile game on his phone by media cameras.

Regarding this, the People Power Party raised their voices, saying, "Kang's attitude deserves criticism." Hwang Gyu-hwan, deputy spokesperson of the People Power Party, said in a verbal statement that day, "This clearly shows the Democratic Party's attitude toward this audit," adding, "They hold 176 seats and seem to take the audit lightly, treating the audit hall as if it were a playground for games."

He continued, "If a former chief spokesperson behaves like this, it is unlikely that other members are any different," and pointed out, "Since this was a comprehensive audit of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy dealing with serious matters such as the audit results on the nuclear phase-out that undermined the independence of the Board of Audit and Inspection under government pressure, Kang's attitude deserves even more criticism."

He added, "The warning from Representative Lee Nak-yeon to be careful with words and actions has become meaningless," and said, "Kang, who ridiculed the National Assembly, should immediately apologize to the public, and the Democratic Party should take appropriate measures against him."

On the 22nd, Kang Hoon-sik, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, was seen playing a mobile game on his cellphone during a comprehensive audit of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy at the Industry, Trade, and Small and Medium Enterprises Committee held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Justice Party also joined the chorus of criticism. Kim Dong-gyun, deputy spokesperson of the Justice Party, issued a statement titled "Kang Hoon-sik’s Second Game Play, No Excuse" on the same day, saying, "(Kang) apologized, but the inappropriateness cannot be overlooked."

He said, "There is no reason for the public to know Kang's gaming preferences during the National Assembly audit," adding, "Every move Kang makes during the audit is naturally seen by the public as representing the ruling party. Yet, he was playing games, which means he was completely inattentive."

He continued, "Above all, this is not the first time," and pointed out, "It is hard to accept even once, but doing it twice leaves no room for excuse."

Deputy spokesperson Kim emphasized, "Kang should humbly and sincerely accept the pouring criticism from the public," and said, "There must never be a third time, and he should exercise restraint and deeply reflect."

In response to the controversy, Kang posted on his Facebook that day, "It has been reported in the media that I played a mobile game at the National Assembly today," and apologized, saying, "I am sorry. There is no doubt that I was wrong."

He added, "I will reflect and restrain myself. I will ensure this does not happen again," and said, "The media, opposition parties, and the public are giving me harsh words. I will listen carefully to every single one."

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