Controversy over 'Il Travel Text' Opposition's Kim Young-joo Apologizes for Private Message

While the Democratic Party of Korea is advocating against the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan, Kim Young-joo, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly from the Democratic Party, apologized after discussing travel plans to Japan via text messages with an acquaintance during a plenary session of the National Assembly.

On the 3rd, Deputy Speaker Kim said through his social media (SNS), "I apologize to party members and the public for causing controversy with personal text messages during the adoption of the resolution opposing Fukushima contaminated water."

He stated, "Exchanging private text messages during the plenary session was a clear mistake," and added, "I sincerely apologize to the public and party members. As a public official, I will be more mindful in the future."

Deputy Speaker Kim was at the center of controversy after being caught by media cameras on the 30th of last month exchanging text messages discussing travel plans to Japan with an acquaintance in the National Assembly plenary hall. In particular, the Democratic Party has been advocating against the discharge of contaminated water from Fukushima, leading to criticism that they showed a double standard.

Yoo Sang-beom, the chief spokesperson for the People Power Party, criticized in a statement, "This goes beyond hypocrisy; it is a deception and mockery of the people," and added, "They sang the 'death song' and spread rumors about contaminated water to stir anti-Japanese sentiment, making Japan seem like a country that the public should avoid at all costs, yet they themselves indulge in the sweet dream of traveling to Japan."

Kim Jae-seop, the head of the People Power Party’s Dobong-gap district committee in Seoul, also pointed out on his SNS, "The Democratic Party, which shouts anti-Japan and extreme nationalism every day, and even the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly from the Democratic Party, traveling to Japan at such a critical time?I simply cannot believe it."

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