Kim Ye-ji Apologizes on Behalf, Says "Lee Jun-seok Must Recognize Disability Mobility Issues"

"'Knee Apology' as a 'Proper Apology from a Politician'
'Jeonjangyeon Demands Equal Environment with Non-Disabled People'"

Members of the National Solidarity for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Jeonjangyeon) and Kim Ye-ji, a member of the People Power Party, are boarding the subway at Gyeongbokgung Station on Line 3 in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 28th to participate in the subway protest "Taking the Subway on the Way to Work," demanding the guarantee of mobility rights for persons with disabilities and the inclusion of disability rights budget.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] As Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, repeatedly criticized the subway protests by the National Solidarity for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Jeonjangyeon), controversy is growing. Meanwhile, party lawmaker Kim Ye-ji said, "Rather than explanations, it seems the best way is for him (Lee Jun-seok) to become self-aware."

On the 28th, Kim appeared on CBS Radio's 'Hanpan Seungbu' and stated, "I don't think he is acting out of ignorance regarding the difficulties faced by persons with disabilities in mobility," expressing this view.

Previously, Lee Jun-seok criticized Jeonjangyeon's subway protests during morning commutes demanding guaranteed mobility rights for persons with disabilities, calling them "protests that hold citizens' commutes hostage."

As the controversy grew, on the morning of the 28th, Kim participated in Jeonjangyeon's subway protest at the Chungmuro Station Line 3 platform in Seoul, knelt down, and apologized, saying, "I failed to understand and empathize, and I am sorry for not communicating with appropriate words."

Regarding this, Kim explained, "I am a person with a disability before being a member of the National Assembly," adding, "Actually, because I have been busy with work in the National Assembly, I could not always be present, but my heart was there. I empathize as a person with a disability, and this is not someone else's issue but my own."

Kim continued, "I was aware of the inconveniences (citizens face). The political sphere has not paid close enough attention," and said, "When there were fatal accidents or people seriously injured, there was a lot of media coverage. It was only when the media reported on the inconveniences citizens face, like now, that politicians rushed to show interest. I had thought this pattern was problematic even before entering the National Assembly. Experiencing this situation again while being here, I thought it was only right for the political sphere to apologize properly."

In response to some criticisms suggesting that the disability protests have partisan motives, Kim said, "This is a statement made by those who do not understand the history of disability activism well. This has continued for decades regardless of the administration or party," adding, "In 1984, martyr Kim Soon-seok demanded the removal of curbs on roads and sidewalks, saying that these hindered movement and mobility. When these voices were not well heard, he sacrificed his life. That was the beginning of a history that has lasted nearly 40 years."

Kim emphasized that what disability organizations demand is a fundamental expansion of basic rights. She explained, "It means that the state must guarantee all the natural rights that can be obtained through mobility rights, the rights that should naturally be guaranteed as citizens," adding, "This is not about simply allowing people to ride the subway or bus, or achieving 94% or 96% elevator installation rates. Fundamentally, it is about creating an environment where no one worries and everyone can enjoy equal rights with non-disabled people. Through this, educational rights and labor rights can also be guaranteed."

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