Joo Ho-young: "Byun Chang-heum Has No Qualification to Attend the Hearing... Resign Voluntarily" (Comprehensive)

"Serious Accident Punishment Act to Achieve Results Within Temporary National Assembly"
"President Moon Must Clarify How to Secure Vaccines"
"Deputy Minister Lee Yong-gu Should Be Dismissed for 'Taxi Driver Assault'"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the People Power Party, pressured nominee for Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Byun Chang-heum on the 22nd, saying he "does not even have the qualification to attend the confirmation hearing."

After the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly that day, Floor Leader Joo told reporters, "He does not even have the qualification to come to the hearing, so I am saying he should voluntarily withdraw," adding, "We are demanding his voluntary withdrawal today, and if he insists on attending the hearing, we will respond according to the situation."

Regarding the National Assembly confirmation hearings, Floor Leader Joo criticized, "They nominated (Minister of the Interior and Safety nominee Jeon Hae-cheol) ahead of the April election next year. Nominee Byun is a comprehensive set of corruption," and added, "At the confirmation hearing for Minister of Health and Welfare nominee Kwon Deok-cheol, there was not a single witness related to vaccines. The Democratic Party refused to adopt witnesses, making the hearing meaningless."

On the Serious Accidents Punishment Act, Floor Leader Joo stated, "The Democratic Party is expressing it as if we oppose it, but that is not the case at all," and said, "We will actively work to achieve legislative results within the temporary session of the National Assembly by January 8 next year." He continued, "Kim Jong-in, the emergency committee chairman, and I said we would revise the law to reduce serious industrial accidents," but added, "However, any excessive legislation causing side effects must be eliminated."

Regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, Floor Leader Joo said, "What the public is most interested in now is when the vaccine will be supplied," and added, "President Moon Jae-in should clearly explain how he plans to secure the vaccine."

On the incident where Deputy Minister of Justice Lee Yong-gu assaulted a taxi driver before taking office and was not punished, Floor Leader Joo said, "I hope President Moon promptly accepts Lee's resignation and dismisses him," and criticized, "This incident reveals how the powerful figures of this administration perceive ordinary citizens. Grabbing and assaulting an innocent taxi driver shows they regard ordinary people as dogs and pigs, reflecting a sense of privilege."

Regarding various corruption allegations surrounding People Power Party lawmaker Jeon Bong-min's family and company, Floor Leader Joo said, "We are currently investigating the facts," adding, "There was also a statement from Chairman Kim, and we are in the process of verifying the facts reported in the media and hearing the lawmaker's position. Once this is sorted out, we will announce the party's stance."

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