Byeon Chang-heum "I Owe a Debt to My Heart"... Sim Sang-jung "Such an Apology Is Not Enough"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Chun-han] Sim Sang-jung, a member of the Justice Party, harshly criticized nominee for Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Byun Chang-heum on the 23rd for his ‘insensitive remarks about the Guui Station accident.’

At the confirmation hearing held by the National Assembly’s Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee that day, Rep. Sim asked nominee Byun, "Why do you think Kim’s mother and friends refused to meet?" and then played a recording of Kim’s mother’s voice. As Kim’s mother’s sobbing voice echoed, the chamber fell silent for a moment.

Rep. Sim said, "Seoul Metro initially shifted the responsibility onto Kim. That is why Kim’s mother was sobbing," adding, "The very perception expressed by the nominee is what killed my son and took away my life."

When nominee Byun apologized, saying, "I apologize once again for not properly understanding the feelings of the deceased and their families and for speaking carelessly," Rep. Sim raised her voice, saying, "Such an apology is not enough."

Nominee Byun acknowledged, "It is true that I am lacking in many ways," and reiterated, "As I bear the guilt and debt in my heart, I will do my utmost to take responsibility for and protect the lives and safety of the people."

Nominee Byun became embroiled in controversy for remarks that seemed to blame the victim for the Guui Station screen door accident during his tenure as president of the Seoul Housing and Communities Corporation (SH) in the past.

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