Woo Won-sik: “Hostile to the Chest
- SEOUL - A plenary session of the National Assembly on April 16, addressing education, social, and cultural issues, was marked by contentious exchanges as Korea Communications Commission (KCC)...
- the dispute arose when Kim Hyun, a Democratic Party representative, questioned lee about a facebook post from April 4, coinciding with the impeachment of former President Yoon Seok-yeol,...
- Despite repeated demands from Kim, stating, "I have a duty to answer," and "Please answer," Lee maintained that the post was a "personal article" and that she had...
KCC Chair Lee Jin-sook’s Responses Draw criticism at National Assembly
Table of Contents
Korea Communications Commission, attends the National Assembly’s plenary session.” width=”970″/>SEOUL – A plenary session of the National Assembly on April 16, addressing education, social, and cultural issues, was marked by contentious exchanges as Korea Communications Commission (KCC) chairman Lee jin-sook declined to directly answer questions from democratic Party lawmakers.
Refusal to Answer Sparks Debate
the dispute arose when Kim Hyun, a Democratic Party representative, questioned lee about a facebook post from April 4, coinciding with the impeachment of former President Yoon Seok-yeol, which read, “I’m sorry for the history.”
Despite repeated demands from Kim, stating, “I have a duty to answer,” and “Please answer,” Lee maintained that the post was a “personal article” and that she had “no obligation” to elaborate. This stance drew criticism, with some observers noting that it undermined the National Assembly’s role in holding the government accountable.
Chairman’s stance Deemed “Opposed”
throughout the session, Lee maintained what some described as a confrontational posture. When questioned about her position on the impeachment of former President yoon, she reiterated her previous stance.
Regarding the Sewol ferry disaster on April 16, and the alleged misreporting by a cultural broadcasting press officer, Lee stated, “I can apologize 11 years later.” Kim countered, “I have never apologized.”
Corporate Card Allegations revisited
The February session also saw a recurrence of questions regarding a police investigation into allegations of improper use of a corporate card.When asked if she still considered it a “field inspection,” Lee responded, “I will check again.”
Court Rulings on “Two-Person System”
Lee defended the KCC’s actions regarding the controversial “two-person system,” despite court rulings against its legality, stating, “There is a legitimate ruling.” The exchange concluded with Kim requesting intervention from the National Assembly chairman.
Opposition Voices Dissent
Members of the opposition Democratic Party voiced their disapproval, with shouts of “Yoon Seok-yeol, who did not appoint an opposition party proposal committee” heard within the chamber.
Lee remained steadfast in her position to continue the re-approval process for terrestrial broadcasters, despite the court’s ruling against the “two-person system.” She asserted, “There is no illegal judgment on the formation of the Review Committee.”
Assembly Chairman Voices Concern
Following Kim’s questioning,National Assembly Chairman Woo Won-sik addressed Lee’s demeanor,stating,”I hear a lot of hostility in my chest. I can answer it easily.”
Woo emphasized the importance of respectful dialog, stating, “The people here are elected by the people’s votes…The lawmakers are curious and frustrated by the National Assembly, and if they are so hostile to the response attitude, and the answers are terrible, the normal discussion is normal. Isn’t it difficult to be?”
Call for Sincere Government Response
Chairman Wu concluded by urging the government to adopt a more receptive approach, stating, “The government should not take such an attitude. You have to listen to the words of all the people and sum up and make your answer sincerely.”
KCC Chair Lee Jin-sook’s National Assembly Performance: Your Questions Answered
This article provides an in-depth look at the contentious exchanges during a recent National Assembly session where Korea Communications Commission (KCC) Chair Lee Jin-sook faced scrutiny. We’ll break down the key issues and her responses in a clear, Q&A format.
Key Questions & Answers
What was the core issue that sparked the debate at the National Assembly session?
The primary point of contention revolved around KCC Chair Lee Jin-sook’s refusal to directly answer questions posed by Democratic Party lawmakers. Specifically, the questions focused on a Facebook post made by Lee that was perceived as related to the impeachment of former President Yoon Seok-yeol.
What was the specific Facebook post in question, and what was Lee Jin-sook’s response to questions about it?
The Facebook post, made on April 4, read, “I’m sorry for the history.” Democratic Party representative Kim Hyun repeatedly pressed Lee to clarify the meaning of the post, but Lee maintained it was a “personal article” and that she had “no obligation” to elaborate further.
How did Lee Jin-sook’s stance impact the overall tone of the session?
Her reluctance to engage with the questions led to widespread criticism.Observers noted that her approach undermined the National Assembly’s role in holding the government accountable. This was exacerbated by what many described as a confrontational posture throughout the session.
Did Lee Jin-sook address her stance on the impeachment of former President Yoon directly during the session?
Yes, when questioned about her position on the impeachment, she reiterated her previous stance, suggesting no change in her viewpoint.
Were there any discussions related to the Sewol ferry disaster?
Yes. The session touched upon the Sewol ferry disaster of April 16th. Lee stated after 11 years,”I can apologize.” Kim countered this statement by responding, “I have never apologized.”
Were there any additional topics of discussion during the session?
Of course! The session also touched on:
- Allegations concerning the improper use of a corporate card
- Court rulings against the “two-person system” implemented by the KCC
- opposition voices voicing dissent regarding the responses
What was the status of the allegations of improper use of a corporate card ?
The session revisited a police examination regarding potential misuse of a corporate card. When asked if she still considered the investigation a ”field inspection,” Lee responded, “I will check again.”
What was Lee Jin-sook’s response to court rulings against the ”two-person system”?
Despite court rulings against the legality of the “two-person system,” Lee defended the KCC’s actions, stating, “There is a legitimate ruling.”
How did the opposition react to Lee Jin-sook’s responses?
Opposition members from the Democratic Party voiced strong disapproval and protested with shouts, criticizing the alleged lack of action on proposals from the opposition party. Additionally, despite the court’s decision against the “two-person system,” Lee maintained the continuation of approvals, stating, “There is no illegal judgment on the formation of the Review Committee”
How did the National Assembly Chairman, Woo Won-sik, respond to the exchanges?
Chairman Woo Won-sik expressed concern over lee Jin-sook’s demeanor during the questioning. He stated that he perceived “a lot of hostility,” and emphasized the importance of respectful dialog between lawmakers and government officials. He urged the government to adopt a more receptive approach to answering questions.
What recommendations did Chairman Wu make at the conclusion of the session?
Chairman Wu urged the government to adopt a more receptive approach, stating, “The government should not take such an attitude. You have to listen to the words of all the people and sum up and make your answer sincerely.”
Conclusion
The National Assembly session highlighted notable disagreements over accountability and openness. Lee Jin-sook’s responses have sparked a debate about the role of the KCC and the government’s responsiveness to the legislative branch.