Joo Ho-young: "Even COVID-19 urgent inquiries are being politicized... Will thoroughly investigate"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Joo Ho-young, the floor leader of the People Power Party, expressed displeasure on the 8th regarding the urgent COVID-19-related inquiry held at the National Assembly, stating, "Turning healthy criticism and debate into political strife denies the very existence of the National Assembly."

At the members' meeting that afternoon, Floor Leader Joo said, "The Democratic Party of Korea labels everything unfavorable or avoidable as political strife," adding, "We will thoroughly expose the issues at Dongbu Detention Center regardless of accusations that we are dragging this into political strife."

He criticized, "The tragedy of mass infections among inmates leading to multiple deaths is not simply an accident," and said, "Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae is offering a formal apology but insists there were no procedural errors."

Floor Leader Joo pointed out, "Anyone would have guessed that once confirmed cases occur and infections spread within correctional facilities, it would be uncontrollable," noting, "In 2016, the Supreme Court held the Mokpo Coast Guard Chief responsible for the failure to rescue during the Sewol ferry disaster, sentencing him to three years for negligent homicide, and in a 2007 Supreme Court ruling, a postpartum care center owner was held criminally liable for the death of a newborn."

He continued, "Last year, following a mass infection at a logistics center, Coupang was reported to the prosecution by a victims' group," adding, "The responsibility of state agencies is even greater than that of the private sector."

Meanwhile, Floor Leader Joo referred to the recent resignation of Assemblyman Kim Byung-wook, who left the party following sexual assault allegations raised by the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute, and issued a caution during this critical pre-election period. He urged, "Even if there were no elections, remember that you are representatives of the people, and every action is exposed to the public eye. Please be especially mindful of this."

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