On October 12, lawmakers clashed during a National Assembly audit of the Science, Technology, Information, and Broadcasting Committee over Lee Jin-sook's visit to the grave of President Lee Jae-myung's parents. The Democratic Party criticized Lee's actions as "political misconduct," while Lee defended her visit as raising concerns about alleged violations of agricultural land laws.
Lee visited the grave in Bonghwa County, North Gyeongsang Province, on October 10, and later posted on Facebook, stating, "Despite the local government's order for restoration, the grave remains intact," raising suspicions of legal violations.
In response, Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Jeong-heon opened the questioning by stating, "I will raise issues regarding Lee's inappropriate remarks and political misconduct." He criticized her for dragging the deceased into political disputes and called for her to leave the session.
He also questioned whether the political tactics of the People Power Party included "grave politics and posthumous politics," urging his colleagues to cooperate in disciplining Lee, warning that silence would make them complicit.
In her defense, Lee Jin-sook stated, "I reported on the illegal establishment of the grave on behalf of the public," adding that she bowed in respect to the deceased before taking photos.
The issue of potential conflicts of interest regarding Lee's previous role as chair of the Korea Communications Commission was also raised. Lawmakers debated whether it was appropriate for her to participate in the audit concerning matters she was involved in during her tenure.
Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Joo-hee questioned, "Why should the person who made those decisions participate in this inquiry?"
Independent lawmaker Choi Hyuk-jin also demanded Lee's departure, stating, "Today’s audit is examining the improper and illegal operations during her time as chair of the commission."
Later that afternoon, Lee Jin-sook held a press conference at the National Assembly, asserting, "It is political misconduct to say we should not point out illegal activities by the president's family," questioning whether the Democratic Party's approach was to overlook illegal actions by the president's family.
Regarding the conflict of interest allegations, she dismissed them as "absurd," pointing out that Democratic lawmaker Kim Hyun served as a standing committee member for three years before becoming a secretary of the committee just nine months later, questioning the fairness of the accusations against her.
Lee visited the grave in Bonghwa County, North Gyeongsang Province, on October 10, and later posted on Facebook, stating, "Despite the local government's order for restoration, the grave remains intact," raising suspicions of legal violations.
In response, Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Jeong-heon opened the questioning by stating, "I will raise issues regarding Lee's inappropriate remarks and political misconduct." He criticized her for dragging the deceased into political disputes and called for her to leave the session.
He also questioned whether the political tactics of the People Power Party included "grave politics and posthumous politics," urging his colleagues to cooperate in disciplining Lee, warning that silence would make them complicit.
In her defense, Lee Jin-sook stated, "I reported on the illegal establishment of the grave on behalf of the public," adding that she bowed in respect to the deceased before taking photos.
The issue of potential conflicts of interest regarding Lee's previous role as chair of the Korea Communications Commission was also raised. Lawmakers debated whether it was appropriate for her to participate in the audit concerning matters she was involved in during her tenure.
Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Joo-hee questioned, "Why should the person who made those decisions participate in this inquiry?"
Independent lawmaker Choi Hyuk-jin also demanded Lee's departure, stating, "Today’s audit is examining the improper and illegal operations during her time as chair of the commission."
Later that afternoon, Lee Jin-sook held a press conference at the National Assembly, asserting, "It is political misconduct to say we should not point out illegal activities by the president's family," questioning whether the Democratic Party's approach was to overlook illegal actions by the president's family.
Regarding the conflict of interest allegations, she dismissed them as "absurd," pointing out that Democratic lawmaker Kim Hyun served as a standing committee member for three years before becoming a secretary of the committee just nine months later, questioning the fairness of the accusations against her.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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