[Summary] Choo Mi-ae's 'One-Eyed' Remark Controversy... Political Sphere Repeating 'Disability Insult'

Autumn 'One-Eyed' Expression Controversy... Disability Groups "Hope for a Sincere Apology"

Former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae is facing controversy for using the term 'oenun' (one-eyed) while defending broadcaster Kim Eo-jun. Some lawmakers have criticized this as "disability hate speech" and urged her to apologize. However, former Minister Choo rebutted by referring to the meaning of 'oenun' in the Korean dictionary, stating that it is "not a derogatory term against people with disabilities."

Earlier, on the 23rd, former Minister Choo criticized TBS Radio's 'Kim Eo-jun's News Factory' on her Facebook, saying, "'News Factory' is not politically biased; rather, the problem lies with other media outlets being caught up in media commercialism."

She added, "It is wrong for media outlets that cannot enjoy free editorial rights and report with a one-eyed perspective to criticize 'News Factory,' which reports with both eyes."

These remarks sparked criticism within political circles as "disability hate speech," with calls for former Minister Choo to apologize.

Lee Sang-min, a Democratic Party lawmaker who had polio as a child and has difficulty walking, said, "I want to believe that former Minister Choo did not intend to demean people with disabilities by using such a low-level expression, but since it is undoubtedly wrong, I hope she promptly corrects it and apologizes."

Jang Hye-young, a Justice Party lawmaker who has a sibling with developmental disabilities, also demanded, "An immediate correction and sincere apology for the disability derogatory expression are required." She emphasized, "As former Minister Choo has publicly stressed the necessity of the Anti-Discrimination Act multiple times, I hope she accepts the criticism of her discriminatory language and behavior and shows a model example of improvement."

As the controversy grew, former Minister Choo posted again on Facebook, explaining, "I pointed out the bias of 'one-eyed reporting media' that turn a blind eye to the truth and collude with vested interests." She added, "Lawmakers Jang and Lee misinterpreted the context and distorted my meaning. I deeply regret this."

She also referred to the dictionary meaning of 'oenun,' stating, "'Oenun' does not refer to visually impaired people and is certainly not a derogatory term against people with disabilities." Furthermore, she emphasized, "I have strived politically and institutionally to realize an equal society without discrimination between people with and without disabilities."

However, disability organizations judged former Minister Choo's 'oenun' remark as disability hate speech. The Korea Federation of Organizations of the Disabled issued a statement saying, "Former Minister Choo should sincerely apologize to people with disabilities who may have been hurt by this remark."

They continued, "The former minister claims there was no intent to demean. However, listeners can feel offended, and it can deepen socially incorrect perceptions. Using inappropriate terms can lead to negative misunderstandings about disabilities. Also, the explanation that there was no intent might be perceived as 'if there is no intent, it is acceptable to use such terms,' which is concerning."

Former Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Disability derogatory remarks by politicians are not new. Former Democratic Party leader Lee Hae-chan appeared on the Democratic Party's YouTube channel 'Sseum' in January last year and said, "Congenital disabled people are born with disabilities and are said to have weak will," which led to a 'recommendation' action from the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK).

Also, in December 2018, Lee sparked controversy by saying, "Looking at what is said in politics, there are so many mentally disabled people that I wonder if that is normal."

Meanwhile, Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Kwang-jae apologized after criticizing Deputy Prime Minister for Economy Hong Nam-ki in July last year during a National Assembly Planning and Finance Committee inquiry, saying, "If the Deputy Prime Minister for Economy does not fully understand the financial sector, policy measures will inevitably become 'crippled.'"

Opposition lawmakers have also been embroiled in controversies over disability derogatory remarks. In January last year, People Power Party floor leader Joo Ho-young referred to then-Prime Minister nominee Chung Sye-kyun, saying, "If he becomes prime minister in that condition, he will be a 'crippled prime minister' and the aftereffects will be tremendous," which led to a 'recommendation' decision from the NHRCK.

People Power Party lawmaker Kwak Sang-do also drew criticism in June last year for saying about President Moon Jae-in, "He must not become a 'one-eyed' president who closes one eye and only looks out for his side."

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