"I Will Emphasize Labor Value More" Ryu Ho-jeong Apologizes for 'Secretary Dismissal' Controversy

Ryu Ho-jeong, Justice Party member. [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] On the 17th, Ryu Hojung, a member of the Justice Party, stated regarding the controversy over the unfair dismissal of a former executive secretary, "I deeply apologize to the workers who must have recalled the painful memories of dismissal, the activists in the field, party members, and supporters."

On the same day, Ryu posted on her Facebook, "On the 4th, I announced my 'position on the secretary dismissal controversy.' Concerns and worries about the Justice Party's principle of respecting labor followed due to content that could be misunderstood. I am taking this seriously," she said.

She added, "In our society, there are many citizens, such as workers in workplaces with fewer than five employees and special employment workers, who are not protected by labor laws or are not even recognized as 'workers.' This also applies to National Assembly aides," and said, "They are the people that I and the Justice Party must protect. We have not forgotten this."

Earlier, on the 4th, Ryu held a press conference to announce her position on the controversy over the unfair dismissal of a former executive secretary. At that time, Ryu argued that the secretary's dismissal was different from unfair dismissal and emphasized, "National Assembly aides are not subject to the Labor Standards Act or the National Public Officials Act."

However, inside and outside the party, criticism arose that the Justice Party's principle of 'respecting labor,' which it has valued, and Ryu's response were contradictory.

Regarding this, Ryu explained, "I did not say that my dismissal was not a problem because there are no related laws (at the previous press conference), but I was trying to explain the circumstances under which the Justice Party institution that respects labor would dispute the unfairness."

Finally, she stated, "As a Justice Party member of the National Assembly who serves workers, I will further embrace the value of 'labor' and continuously fill in the lacking parts."

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