Han Deok-su "Please check the National Assembly Act"... Go Min-jeong "Did you come out to fight?"

Special Advisor Lee Dong-gwan of the Presidential Office 'Reporting Guidelines'
Heated Exchanges During Government Inquiry

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and Democratic Party lawmaker Ko Min-jung clashed on the 14th during the National Assembly’s interpellation session over whether the questions had been notified in advance. Prime Minister Han claimed that Ko asked questions without prior notice, calling it a "violation of the National Assembly Act," while Ko criticized Han’s attitude as "very regrettable."

During the interpellation, Ko introduced a document titled "Status and Considerations of Broadcasting Companies’ Local Election Planning Teams," which was prepared by the National Intelligence Service in 2010, and asked, "The document states that 'left-leaning reporters have infiltrated the broadcasting companies’ election planning teams, raising concerns about excessive agitation and confusion, and calls for alerting management and devising effective sanctions to induce sound reporting.' What do you think? What does 'sound reporting' mean?"

In response, Prime Minister Han said, "I have no information about the authenticity of that document or whether it is a kind of truthful document," and countered, "Isn’t it your responsibility to believe what you said?"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

When Ko asked, "Do you think I showed you a false document and asked questions?" Han replied, "I firmly believe that is not the case, but it is highly inappropriate to ask for my opinion on each passage without providing specifics or basics, and when I have no way to verify it."

As Ko continued questioning, saying, "The document states that left-leaning civic groups and certain broadcasting company affiliates were excluded from recommending election broadcast review committee members. Isn’t this a blacklist?" Prime Minister Han protested, citing the National Assembly Act. Han said, "According to the National Assembly Act, the gist of the questions must be submitted to the Speaker 48 hours in advance, and the Speaker must deliver it to the relevant parties 48 hours prior. The documents you are referring to have never been submitted 48 hours in advance. Therefore, if you want an answer, I will review it and respond in a week or two."

Despite Han’s rebuttal, Ko continued her questioning, prompting Han to raise his voice, "Please look at the National Assembly Act, lawmaker, please take a look." He added, "If I am acting against the National Assembly Act, I will take full responsibility." Ko responded, "I am disappointed with both the Speaker and the Prime Minister." When Han immediately said, "I am also disappointed with you," Ko snapped back, "What are you disappointed about? Did you come here to fight?"

Ko then reiterated, "The reason I asked you so many questions is that this document was requested by the Office of the Senior Secretary for Public Relations in January 2010, ahead of the June 2 local elections. The Senior Secretary for Public Relations at the time was Lee Dong-kwan." Han replied, "I don’t think there is a reason to answer. I find your questions very regrettable, irrational, and highly unreasonable," drawing a clear line.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

As the heated exchange between Prime Minister Han and Ko continued, loud voices erupted from the lawmakers’ seats, causing a commotion. Ko said, "I express strong regret over the Prime Minister’s attitude in his responses. Moreover, I also express regret toward the current Deputy Speaker, who has taken no action despite the People Power Party lawmakers’ abusive remarks and the ongoing interpellation session."

After Ko’s questioning ended, Song Ki-heon, the Democratic Party’s senior deputy floor leader, and Lee Yang-su, the People Power Party’s senior deputy floor leader, each approached Deputy Speaker Jung Woo-taek to make suggestions regarding the proceedings. Deputy Speaker Jung said, "I ask all lawmakers to cooperate so that thorough questioning and answers can be conducted. Even if the two parties are displeased with each other, it would be good to calm those emotions a bit."

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