Jeon Jae-su, Senior Deputy Representative of the Democratic Party, "Strong Response to Malicious Attacks in the Yoon Mi-hyang Controversy"

Published 14 May.2020 13:47(KST)

Jeon Jae-su, member of the Democratic Party of Korea./Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] Jeon Jae-su, Senior Deputy Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated regarding the controversy surrounding elected representative Yoon Mi-hyang, "While we will investigate the allegations, we will strongly respond to attacks with malicious intent."

In an interview with Asia Economy on the 13th, Senior Deputy Floor Leader Jeon said, "The opposition party's criticism of elected representative Yoon Mi-hyang cannot be separated from dissatisfaction with the Moon Jae-in administration's Korea-Japan relations and perspectives on pro-Japanese history," adding, "If the viewpoint of covering up rather than properly addressing past historical mistakes is combined, we will respond firmly."

This expressed concern and caution about the controversy over the use of donations to the Justice and Memory Foundation associated with Yoon Mi-hyang escalating into political strife and expanding into issues of historical reconciliation and Korea-Japan relations. On the 12th, Won Yoo-chul, leader of the Future Korea Party, said at the Supreme Council meeting, "We must heed the words of the grandmothers who say the Wednesday demonstrations only teach hatred and wounds," and "A forward-looking review is necessary regarding what is needed for Korea-Japan relations to open up future generations."

Senior Deputy Floor Leader Jeon acknowledged, "We understand that civic groups face harsh physical conditions making it difficult to manage accounting flawlessly, but from the perspective of common public sense, explanations must be provided to the fullest regarding the allegations," while emphasizing, "Apart from accounting suspicions, we cannot overlook the typical humiliation ideology that reminds us that fighting Japan results in losses. I believe the intent will become clearer over time."

He stressed that now is the time to focus all efforts on overcoming the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and preparing economic measures. He previously served as policy advisor to the Minister of Strategy and Finance during the Participatory Government, as an administrator in the Blue House Economic Secretariat, and as a member of the Budget and Accounts Special Committee and the Special Committee on Livelihood Economy in the 20th National Assembly.

Senior Deputy Floor Leader Jeon said, "The historic great transformation began with an entirely unexpected trigger, and now is exactly such a time," adding, "We must concentrate on tasks such as changing the economic structure, reforming power institutions, and completing social safety nets like nationwide employment insurance."

He continued, "Employment insurance should be applied to all workers, including special employment workers, regardless of the form of labor. More efforts must be made to resolve issues of irregular workers for a sustainable labor market."

The position of Senior Deputy Floor Leader was created as the party became a giant with 177 seats, as the floor leader and chief deputy leader alone would be overwhelmed by the number of seats. He emphasized principles along with cooperation. Senior Deputy Floor Leader Jeon said, "Although the Democratic Party holds enough seats to pass most bills, if we just push through, the opposition will engage in extreme struggles and the National Assembly could become chaotic," adding, "This is the time when it is most necessary to persuade the opposition with legitimacy in all procedures and establish a model of cooperation."

Regarding the tensions over the distribution of standing committee seats such as the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, he mentioned, "The National Assembly is centered on each standing committee, but if the Legislation and Judiciary Committee obstructs and changes the content of bills from other committees, it goes against principles, which is what we are pointing out."

Jeon Jae-su, Member of the Democratic Party of Korea./Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@