"Your claim is completely wrong"... Prime Minister Han and Gi Dong-min clash over investigation of Hong Beom-do ship and Marine Corps

Heated Debate with Assemblyman Gi Dong-min at the Budget Committee Plenary Meeting

At the National Assembly Budget and Accounts Committee, a heated exchange took place between Prime Minister Han Deok-su and Ki Dong-min of the Democratic Party of Korea. The two sides engaged in fierce debates over issues ranging from the renaming of the Navy's Hong Beom-do ship to the case of Sergeant Chae Mo of the Marine Corps who died in the line of duty.

During the Budget and Accounts Committee's final review session on the 31st, Representative Ki raised the issue of Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop's absence from the full committee meeting due to an overseas business trip, stating, "I believe the Prime Minister should respond responsibly." In response, Prime Minister Han said, "Please understand that this is not an evasion." When Representative Ki replied, "Since this is a political expression, you should not pick a fight over such things," Prime Minister Han retorted, "Is evasion a political expression?"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Afterwards, Prime Minister Han refused to answer Representative Ki's questions and instead said, "This is an insult to the Cabinet members," urging, "Please respect the Cabinet members."

The two also clashed over the issue of renaming the submarine named Hong Beom-do. Prime Minister Han stated, "I think we need to consider revising the name because it is named after a person who was a member of the Communist Party of the former Soviet Union," adding, "Should a warship that must fight against our main enemy be called the Hong Beom-do?" Following this, both sides argued, saying, "Don't try to teach us," and "Give us time to respond." Prime Minister Han maintained his position on the name change, saying, "I believe it is natural to consider correcting things that do not align with the democratic republic under Article 1 of the Constitution, which aims for liberal democracy." Representative Ki countered, "This contributes to a historical view that is not only conservative but far-right."

Regarding the investigation into Sergeant Chae, when Representative Ki called it a "national disgrace incident," Prime Minister Han responded, "You are making one-sided statements," "I do not acknowledge any of what you said," "You are saying something different," and "You are distorting the facts." Even after the questioning ended, Prime Minister Han continued to object, saying, "Your claims are completely wrong," "You are dividing the people," and "Your words do not promote unity."

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