'Knee Apology' Kim Ye-ji: "Greatest Happiness for the Greatest Number Is Not Just a Matter of Numbers"

Disability Mobility Rights, Fundamental Rights and Dignity as Human Beings
Minorities Are Also Our Citizens to Lee Jun-seok
Presenting a Vision Is Preferable to Dividing Thoughts

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, boarded Line 3 at Gyeongbokgung Station 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 Lee Hyun-joo] On the 29th, Kim Ye-ji, a member of the People Power Party who kneeled and apologized at a subway protest organized by the National Solidarity for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities to guarantee mobility rights, stated, "I believe that the happiness of the greatest number should never be judged by numbers alone." This was a direct rebuttal to Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the People Power Party, who the day before defined the Jeonjangyeon protest at the Supreme Council meeting as "an uncivilized perspective that continues illegal protests by causing the greatest number of unhappiness and inconvenience to have their claims realized."

In a phone interview with MBC Radio that day, Representative Kim said, "What they are shouting may seem like simply physical accessibility, but mobility rights are fundamental human rights and dignity," adding, "Only when these are secured can one receive education, and only by receiving a good education can one find a job. Only then can one fulfill their duties as a citizen."

She continued, "When they come out to that place, I cannot see how others look at me or their expressions, but they can see everything, right?" and emphasized, "No one wants to see expressions mixed with hatred and irritation." She added, "Nevertheless, someone had to do that, and we must acknowledge it, listen to it, and carefully consider what efforts are needed. Isn't that the role of the political sphere and political leaders?"

Regarding Lee’s repeated criticism of the mobility rights protests, she said, "That is his personal opinion." Kim stated, "He was elected as the leader with the support of many members of the public party, so it is not the position of party members to evaluate him," but also said, "As a citizen, it is regrettable," and questioned, "Are the other citizens who suffer damage not citizens?" She further said, "Those few who shout for basic mobility rights on the platform, wanting to live together in society and fulfill their duties as citizens, are also our citizens," adding, "Rather than dividing them, wouldn't it be more desirable to talk about how we will move forward and share a vision? That is the hope as citizens."

Kim emphasized her role in the political sphere. She said, "What they are asking for will not happen tomorrow," and added, "It is the role of the political sphere and the task the elected officials must lead in the future to consider how much the opinions of the parties concerned will be coordinated, rather than the thoughts of the public officials (Ministry of Economy and Finance) who execute the budget." She continued, "The government and legislative bodies must work together to facilitate these processes smoothly."

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