Shin Dong-geun on 'Park Beom-gye Assault Allegation' Against Exam Candidate: "Not Even Working with Fingers Cut Off... Not a Socially Vulnerable Person"

Candidate Park Urged to "Exhibit Inclusive Leadership When Facing Urgent Civil Complaints"

Park Beom-gye, the nominee for Minister of Justice, is delivering a greeting at the confirmation hearing held on the 25th at the Legislation and Judiciary Committee of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Ju-hyung] Shin Dong-geun, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, referred to members of the 'Sasi Jonchi Gosi-saeng Moim' (Bar Exam Retention Examinees' Group), who claim to have been assaulted by Park Beom-gye, the nominee for Minister of Justice, stating that they are "not socially vulnerable."

On the 25th, during the confirmation hearing for Park held by the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, Shin said, "While these people (the examinees' group) may have a sense of urgency, in a way, they are not socially vulnerable," adding, "They are not workers in precarious jobs working under harsh conditions, losing fingers in the process."

However, he urged Park, saying, "Nevertheless, if these people have urgent grievances or anything, please demonstrate inclusive leadership as a minister." Park briefly responded, "I will do so."

Shin Dong-geun, Member of the Democratic Party of Korea / Photo by Yonhap News

Earlier, Park was embroiled in controversy over allegations that he assaulted a member of the examinees' group in the past. Based on an audio recording obtained through a lawmaker's office from the People Power Party, the 'Chosun Ilbo' reported on the 6th that Park allegedly grabbed the collar and verbally abused an examinee who demanded a meeting while advocating for the retention of the bar exam in November 2016.

In response, Lee Jong-bae, the representative of the examinees' group, issued a statement at the time, saying, "The reports by some media outlets about Park's assault on an examinee are 100% true," and claimed, "Park's assertion that 'he was almost assaulted' is a clear falsehood and a lie that deserves divine punishment."

He further warned, "If Park continues to deny the assault and does not apologize for spreading false information, we will reveal the truth through investigation," and announced, "We will file a complaint on the 11th."

Regarding these allegations, Park dismissed them at the time, saying, "On the contrary, I was almost assaulted."

At the confirmation hearing on the 25th, Park again explained the so-called 'examinee assault allegations,' stating, "The facts are different."

Minister of Justice nominee Park Beom-gye is arriving at the personnel hearing preparation office set up at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office building in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 31st of last month. / Photo by Yonhap News

On that day, when Jang Je-won, a member of the People Power Party, questioned, "It is said that you assaulted and verbally abused powerless examinees, but the examinees' words are more credible," Park responded, "As you know, I am not large in stature, but five or six young men much bigger than me appeared at my lodging in Dangsan-dong at 10 p.m.," adding, "I wondered how they knew my address."

He continued, "My wife was alone at our home in Daejeon, and those advocating for the retention of the bar exam rang the doorbell at night, which was extremely shocking," and pointed out, "They also picketed on the way to school of my second child, a high school sophomore."

He then criticized, "I also respect manners, but manners only appear when the other party feels that the behavior is courteous."

However, Park indicated that he would consider whether temporary relief measures could be provided to the examinees' group members. He said, "If appointed as minister, I will review whether temporary relief measures can be applied to them," emphasizing, "The committee members here who are from the legal profession, we all passed the bar exam. Because the bar exam existed, I am here today."

He added, "I understand well how important the value and meaning of the bar exam are," and said, "I will consider whether temporary relief measures can be provided, reflecting the heartfelt voices of many who wish for the retention of the bar exam."

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