Cheonanham Veterans Association President: "Representative Song Young-gil Must Discipline Former Spokesperson for Offensive Remarks"

Former Yeo Spokesperson's Controversial Remarks: "Cheonanham Captain Drowned Subordinates"
Apologizes to Bereaved Families and Affected Soldiers Amid Backlash

Former Democratic Party spokesperson Cho Sang-ho appeared as a panelist on a broadcast on the 7th and made remarks related to the Cheonan ship. Photo by Channel A broadcast screen capture.

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Jeon Junyoung (35), the president of the Cheonan Ship Survivors Veterans Association, announced on the 9th that he is petitioning Song Younggil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, to demand "an official apology from former Democratic Party spokesperson Jo Sangho regarding former Cheonan Ship Captain Choi Wonil, and disciplinary action equivalent to expulsion of the party leader." Previously, former spokesperson Jo sparked controversy by saying about the Cheonan Ship incident, "The captain sank all his precious subordinates at the time."

On this day, Jeon opened his statement posted on his Facebook by saying, "Since surviving the Cheonan Ship attack, I have never once forgotten the determination that I must fulfill my responsibilities and duties as a survivor, and I intend to live with infinite responsibility toward the 46 comrades and bereaved families."

He criticized the apology posted by former spokesperson Jo, saying, "There is not a single word of 'apology to former Captain Choi' anywhere in the apology statement. Above all, the reason for the apology is stated as 'there were affectionate recommendations from people around me.'"

He continued, "I hope former spokesperson Jo clarifies whether the Facebook apology was sincere and based on his own will, or if it was due to recommendations from 'those around him,' including leader Song. Furthermore, he should clearly state whether he sincerely apologizes to the 'families of the 46 heroes, especially the six families who have yet to recover the bodies, and the affected soldiers,' and whether he apologizes to former Captain Choi or not."

He added, "Former Captain Choi has fulfilled his responsibilities and duties like a parent, not only as a commander but also for the past 12 years for us survivors and bereaved families. Nevertheless, former spokesperson Jo’s statement blaming former Captain Choi for the confirmed North Korean torpedo attack must be accompanied by a clear apology and acceptance of responsibility."

Earlier, on the 7th, former spokesperson Jo appeared on Channel A's 'News Top 10' and claimed, "The Cheonan Ship captain sank all his precious subordinates at the time," and said, "I think Mr. Choi Wonil has no right to talk about (treatment). There was no proper responsibility after the (sinking)," stirring controversy.

Following public criticism, former spokesperson Jo posted on Facebook, "There were affectionate recommendations from those around me," and "I sincerely apologize to the bereaved families and affected soldiers who were hurt."

Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea. [Photo by Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, Jeon also addressed leader Song, saying, "I dare to petition because it seems you are neglecting your responsibilities and duties as a leader," and reiterated, "I earnestly petition you to clearly take responsibility for former spokesperson Jo’s remarks."

He also pointed out to President Moon Jaein, "The Military Death Accident Investigation Committee, which accepted the decision for a 'reinvestigation of the Cheonan Ship' by turning the deaths of the 46 comrades caused by the Cheonan Ship attack into an absurd 'suspicious death,' is a committee directly under the president," and "President Moon has yet to respond even a single word regarding the behavior of the committee and the Ministry of National Defense, which he leads."

He continued, "As the commander-in-chief and president, if you are to fulfill your responsibilities and duties, I earnestly petition you to provide a clear stance on the humiliating 'suspicious death' remarks directed at the Cheonan Ship heroes, bereaved families, and survivors by the committee and the Ministry of National Defense, along with responsible answers and measures."

Furthermore, he said, "I want to clearly state that the 46 heroes, their families, and all survivors including Captain Choi Wonil have fulfilled their national defense duties as citizens, and even now, they are fulfilling their responsibilities and duties as citizens without any lapse."

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