[2022 National Audit] Another Disruption Despite Kim Moon-soo's Apology... Opposition Demands "Specific Apology"

Kim Moon-soo, Chairman of the Economic, Social and Labor Council, attended the National Assembly's audit on the Economic, Social and Labor Council held on the 12th and is drinking water before the audit begins. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Kim Moon-soo, the newly appointed chairman of the Economic and Social Labor Council, apologized for his inappropriate remarks about Yoon Gun-young, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, but opposition lawmakers demanded a 'specific apology,' leading to two disruptions during the Labor and Environment Committee's audit on the 12th.

During the morning audit questioning, Chairman Kim directly clashed with Yoon, whom he had previously labeled as 'pro-North Korea.' When Yoon asked during his questioning turn, "Do you still hold the past belief that Yoon Gun-young is loyal to the Supreme Leader through his thoughts, words, and actions?" Kim responded, "I think there is that aspect as well," which sparked the controversy.

Opposition lawmakers protested, demanding "Withdraw your statement immediately," while ruling party members countered, "Do not block Chairman Kim's remarks," causing commotion in the chamber. Yoon, through a procedural statement, said, "I was going to let it slide, but I cannot conduct the audit under such an evaluation," adding, "I initially did not intend to ask the question, but after hearing the answer, I feel blood boiling."

Democratic Party lawmaker Jin Sung-jun argued, "We should file charges against Chairman Kim under the Act on Testimony, Inspection, and Related Matters in the National Assembly." According to this law, if a witness damages the authority of the National Assembly through insulting behavior, they can face up to five years imprisonment or a fine between 10 million and 50 million won. Jeon Hae-cheol, a Democratic Party member and committee chairman, requested, "Let the ruling and opposition floor leaders discuss measures," and declared a suspension of the audit.

In the resumed audit after afternoon consultations between floor leaders, Chairman Kim apologized, saying, "I deeply apologize for the disruption to the committee's proceedings caused by my past remarks and my statements during today's National Assembly response."

He added, "Reading my Facebook posts from a year and a half ago, I realized that Representative Yoon could have felt insulted," and promised, "As the chairman of the Economic and Social Labor Council, I will be more cautious and considerate in my words and actions to promote harmonious labor-management relations. I sincerely apologize for the insult and complex feelings that Representative Yoon may have experienced."

However, opposition lawmakers continued to protest, citing the lack of a specific apology. Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Hak-young said, "The core of today's disruption was Chairman Kim's response that there is 'such an aspect' to the claim that Representative Yoon is a follower of Kim Il-sung," and questioned, "Do you still think Representative Yoon is a follower of Supreme Leader Kim Il-sung?" Jin also stated, "We confirmed that Chairman Kim harbors such suspicions against our Democratic Party lawmakers and politicians," and demanded, "He must clearly apologize and improve his perception."

Ruling party lawmakers defended Chairman Kim, saying he had apologized. People Power Party lawmaker Ji Seong-ho said, "This should be a policy audit, but I understand the reasons for the disruption and sympathize, but two hours have passed," and asked, "When does the apology end?" Ruling party floor leader Im Yi-ja also criticized, "Despite the need for various policy questions during the state audit, it resembled a hearing," and said, "He recognized and apologized, so what more apology do you want? If you intend to disrupt, then just do so."

As loud exchanges erupted between lawmakers from both parties over Chairman Kim's apology, the former chairman said, "I listen to the opinions of the committee members that the insults against the National Assembly audit committee members should not continue as they are," and declared another suspension of the audit.

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