Hwang Kyo-ahn Asked "Which District Does Ryu Ho-jeong Represent?"... Apologizes Saying "How Could I Not Know"

Hwang Kyo-an "Ryu Ho-jeong, which lawmaker?"... Ryu Ho-jeong "I will work harder"

Former Future United Party leader Hwang Kyo-ahn (right) visited the tent protest site in front of the National Assembly main building in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 26th, where People Power Party lawmaker Choi Seung-jae and small business owners were demanding retroactive legislation for compensation of losses due to COVID-19, and signed the petition.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Former Future United Party (now People Power Party) leader Hwang Kyo-ahn asked, "Which party does Ryu Ho-jeong belong to?" and later apologized for questioning the affiliation of Ryu Ho-jeong, a Justice Party lawmaker.

Earlier, on the 26th, former leader Hwang visited the National Assembly to encourage Choi Seung-jae, a People Power Party lawmaker whom he had recruited during his time in the Liberty Korea Party. Choi, a former president of the Small Business Association, began a tent protest in front of the National Assembly main building on the 12th, demanding retroactive legislation for compensation for small business owners affected by COVID-19.

After embracing lawmaker Choi, Hwang said, "The people who have suffered the most due to the COVID-19 crisis are small business owners," adding, "It is unfortunate that (Choi) has had to go on a hunger strike." In response, Choi said, "Over 100 lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties have signed," and asked Hwang to sign the guestbook. Ryu's signature was also on the guestbook at that time.

Seeing Ryu's name, former leader Hwang asked, "Which party does Ryu Ho-jeong belong to?" Choi, embarrassed, replied, "Justice Party."

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

Regarding this, Ryu shared an article about Hwang on her Instagram and wrote, "I will work harder."

Hwang commented on this post, saying, "I hope you are not offended. How could I not know the lawmaker?" He apologized, saying, "I was speaking ironically out of gratitude, but my expression was not smooth. I am sorry."

He added, "I am grateful to see a young lawmaker working diligently for the people. As a citizen, I always support you."

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