Regarding Byeon Chang-heum in the passport, "Extremely Inappropriate Remarks" VS "Excellent Candidate"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Criticism of Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Byeon Chang-heum's 'Guui Station accident remarks' has also been raised within the Democratic Party of Korea.

On the morning of the 21st, Park Seong-min, a Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party, said in a KBS radio interview in response to the question, "What do you think about candidate Byeon's disparaging remarks about Guui Station and the homeless?" that it was "a very inappropriate remark," adding, "He is currently on the examination stand as a ministerial candidate, and the formal hearing process will proceed, so I think no explanation will easily smooth this over."

He continued, "There are various aspects that need to be thoroughly scrutinized, especially regarding the remarks about Mr. Kim related to Guui Station, which I think are very serious," and pointed out, "It made me think whether this was truly a statement that aligns with the Moon Jae-in administration's philosophy of national governance."

Regarding the supportive public opinion within the ruling party, Supreme Council member Park said, "Some people say we should focus more on whether this person can perform the duties as Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, but I think as a public official serving the people, we cannot overlook his previous perceptions; this is a matter deserving criticism," emphasizing, "I believe this is something to consider in relation to the candidate's qualifications as well."

He also added, "I think he needs to sufficiently explain himself and apologize," and "A more detailed apology and delicate expressions should accompany it."

On the other hand, voices defending candidate Byeon still prevail within the ruling party. On the same day, Democratic Party lawmaker Park Beom-gye said in a CBS radio interview, "We need to hear more about the context in which the remarks were made during the confirmation hearing."

Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Won-wook also said in a BBS radio interview that morning, "I hope people consider the overall context. Sometimes when one thing is heard incorrectly, it causes controversy as if that is everything." He also emphasized, "Considering candidate Byeon's demonstrated will and philosophy regarding housing issues and urban regeneration, he is a very excellent candidate."

Earlier, the controversy over candidate Byeon's 'Guui Station remarks' arose from the minutes of the SH Construction Safety Industry Headquarters meeting of the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee. Candidate Byeon said, "An employee of a company commissioned by Seoul Metro under the Seoul city government died by accident. Actually, it was nothing," and added, "If only he (the victim Mr. Kim) had been a little more careful, nothing would have happened." He also said, "A person died because of something really trivial, and this shook the entire city administration."

The Guui Station screen door accident occurred in May 2016, when Kim Mo (then 19 years old), who was repairing the screen door alone on the Guui Station platform, was hit and killed by a train. At the time, Kim was a non-regular worker belonging to a subcontractor of Seoul Metro, and after his death, instant noodles and triangular kimbap were found in his bag, leading to a nationwide outpouring of mourning.

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