South Korean Parties Clash Over Forced Expulsion: Kang Sung-hee Controversy

South Korean Ruling and Opposition Parties Clash Over Kang Sung-hee’s Forced Expulsion

Source: Donga Ilbo

Recent events at a gathering attended by Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl have ignited intense debates between South Korea’s ruling and opposition parties. The controversy stems from the forced expulsion of lawmaker Kang Sung-hee, with the ruling party condemning her actions as deliberate and excessive, while the opposition party argues that she was merely promoting herself.

The incident took place on May 20th when progressive party member Kang Sung-hee was forcibly removed from the event venue by security personnel. The ruling party contends that her actions were a deliberate attempt to disrupt the event, dismissing criticism from the opposition.

Ruling party spokesperson Kim Min-soo issued a statement, describing Kang Sung-hee’s behavior as a self-promotional performance that exceeded acceptable limits. He emphasized that the event provided an appropriate platform for expressing opinions within the National Assembly.

Kim further criticized Kang Sung-hee for undermining the significance of the event and creating a need for heightened security measures. He also rebuked the opposition for making comparisons to North Korea, stating that such comparisons were inappropriate for the democratic Republic of Korea.

In response, the opposition party demands an apology from Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl and the dismissal of Kim Yong-hyun, the head of the National Security Office. Opposition party spokesperson Park Sung-jun criticized the presidential office’s explanation and attitude, accusing them of consistent and blatant lies.

Park questioned whether the president is truly interested in hearing diverse opinions and serving the people, or if his intentions are to exert control over them. Meanwhile, opposition party floor leader Park Jiwon called for immediate action, including the apology from Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl and the dismissal of Kim Yong-pan.

The incident has faced criticism not only from politicians within the ruling and opposition parties but also from other lawmakers. Lawmaker Wi Sung-gon expressed distrust in preventing lawmakers from expressing concerns, questioning whether this is the freedom envisioned by the president. Lawmaker Hwang Un-ha compared the situation to a country without democracy, condemning the treatment of lawmakers.

Former National Intelligence Service Director Park Ji-won criticized the excessive security measures imposed on lawmakers and suggested that if the security team is competent, they should be able to explain the contents of bags belonging to lawmakers’ spouses.

The ruling party plans to hold a press conference in the National Assembly to condemn the oppression of lawmakers and the false explanations from Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl. As the controversy surrounding Kang Sung-hee’s forced expulsion continues, it fuels ongoing conflict between the ruling and opposition parties.

Note: The source of this news article is Donga Ilbo.