Hong Ik-pyo: "Sing Haiming lecturing Lee Jae-myung? He doesn't have that kind of character"

"Irae-gyeong Does Not Live Carelessly... It Is Wrong to Disparage Her Entire Life"
"No Intention to Take on the Innovation Committee Chair"

Regarding Chinese Ambassador Xing Haiming's criticism of our government during a dinner with Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, the pro-Lee faction lawmaker Hong Ik-pyo rebutted the criticism that Lee was scolded by Ambassador Xing, saying, "Personally, I know Ambassador Xing Haiming well, and he is not the kind of person to speak in a scolding manner."

On the 9th, on BBS's 'Jeon Young-shin's Morning Journal,' in response to the host's question about whether Ambassador Xing spoke in a scolding tone, Hong said, "Some media outlets keep pointing that out, but that wording is exactly a distortion of the essence."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The previous day, Ambassador Xing raised his voice at the dinner with Lee, saying, "The responsibility for the deterioration of Korea-China relations does not lie with China," and even threatened not to bet against China amid the U.S.-China rivalry.

Hong said, "There is no reason to interpret that as a scolding. Some seem to be trying to frame it that way, but while there can be controversy over whether it was appropriate for the resident ambassador to make such remarks, it is a matter that frankly shows the recent state of Korea-China relations," and added, "During the Moon Jae-in administration, how blatantly did the Japanese ambassador express discomfort about our relations?"

He continued, "Even the U.S. ambassador to Korea, at times, including past ambassadors?not the current one?has made very blunt remarks," and said, "There were times when they called members of the National Assembly to their U.S. ambassador's residence and made truly interventionist remarks. Those statements just haven't been made public."

Hong stated, "Therefore, while there is debate over whether such remarks are appropriate, given the current complex situation in Northeast Asia, Korea-China relations, and Korea-U.S. relations, rather than approaching this as an attitude or scolding that worsens the situation, it is time for the ruling and opposition parties to pool their wisdom on how to wisely restore Korea-China relations in line with our national interests."

However, he pointed out that the public disclosure of the dinner was problematic. He said, "I think broadcasting it live on YouTube itself is somewhat inappropriate," and added, "Invitations to the ambassador's residence are usually handled this way: when it is more official and public, the ambassador comes to the representative's office, and for unofficial meetings, they come to the residence. Broadcasting this live on YouTube?I have my doubts about that."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding Lee Rae-kyung, chairman of the Other Hundred Years, who resigned from the Innovation Committee chairmanship amid controversy over remarks such as the 'Cheonan ship self-destruction theory,' Hong said, "Some lawmakers have disparaged this person’s entire life with inappropriate expressions, which is wrong. He certainly did not live his life so carelessly as to be judged by such people," and added, "He has devoted his life much more to public affairs, and has donated almost all of his retirement pay to the civil society sector he is currently involved in."

Hong is also mentioned as one of the candidates for the next Innovation Committee chairman. However, he stated that it is not reasonable for him to take the position. He said, "(I have) no intention at all. The subjects of innovation are current lawmakers, so it is not right for the subjects of innovation to lead the innovation. As you know, I lost the floor leader position just a month ago, so it is not reasonable for me to become the Innovation Committee chairman," and added, "The party is even having problems now because it is only focused on finding an Innovation Committee chairman without agreeing on the content of innovation."

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