Yoon Mi-hyang Attends 'No Mask' Wine Gathering...Harsh Criticism Within Party "Inappropriate"

Yoon Mi-hyang Posts Wine Photo Without Mask
"I Was Not Considerate" Apology Statement Released

Yoon Mi-hyang, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending and seated for the vote on ending the unlimited debate (filibuster) on the amendment to the National Intelligence Service Act at the plenary session held at the National Assembly on the afternoon of the 13th.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] On the 14th, criticism arose within the Democratic Party regarding Rep. Yoon Mee-hyang of the Democratic Party of Korea holding a 'wine gathering' with acquaintances amid the intensifying spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Democratic Party Rep. Hong Ik-pyo appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' that morning and, when asked about Rep. Yoon, stated, "Whether a member of the National Assembly or anyone else, especially those who should lead by example, I think it is necessary to refrain from gatherings as much as possible," adding, "Moreover, posting about it on social media was inappropriate."

Choi In-ho, the Democratic Party's chief spokesperson, also met with reporters immediately after the Supreme Council meeting that day and said, "It was especially emphasized in today's meeting that our party's members of the National Assembly and responsible party officials must lead by example in quarantine efforts."

Yoon Mi-hyang, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea (third from the right), recently posted on her Instagram. Photo by Yoon's Instagram capture.

Earlier, Rep. Yoon recently posted photos on her Instagram showing her drinking wine with acquaintances. At the time, she wrote, "Celebrating Grandma Gil's birthday, engraving her absence in our hearts as we met among ourselves to celebrate and wish for health. Sharing dreams and stories over a meal. 'Grandma Gil' appears to refer to Grandma Gil Won-ok, a comfort women victim.

Some have criticized the gathering with acquaintances amid the severe spread of COVID-19 as inappropriate.

Following criticism of the 'wine gathering,' Rep. Yoon deleted the post and issued an apology. On the 13th, she explained on Facebook, "Monday, December 7th was Grandma Gil's 94th birthday," adding, "Sharing sorrow and longing at a meal with acquaintances turned out to be an inconsiderate act."

However, some have expressed that holding a party without the birthday person is incomprehensible. Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joong-kwon said that day, "Is there such a thing as a birthday party without the person (Grandma Gil) herself?" and "If it were a birthday greeting message, it might be understandable. Why do unrelated people gather to drink wine on someone else's birthday?"

He continued, "December 1st was the preparation hearing. Among the charges is that a large sum was made to be donated by an elderly person with dementia. It is fraud. That is why they are trying to stir things up."

Grandma Gil is one of the comfort women victims cared for by Rep. Yoon during her tenure as chairperson of the Justice and Memory Foundation. Rep. Yoon is currently on trial for charges including quasi-fraud, accused of inducing donations by exploiting Grandma Gil's dementia symptoms.

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