Choi Eun-seok, the chief spokesperson for the ruling People Power Party, stated on September 11 that it is "unacceptable" for a staff member of the Prime Minister's Office to question independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon without disclosing their identity. He indicated that the party would take further action regarding the incident.
After a meeting of the party's floor leadership at the National Assembly, Choi told reporters, "This should not have happened, and it must not happen in the future." He criticized the Prime Minister's Office for issuing only a stern warning to the staff member involved, saying, "This is not a matter that can be resolved with a serious warning at all." He expressed doubt about how a mid-level employee could question a lawmaker without the direction of the Prime Minister, Chief of Staff, or the Office for Government Policy Coordination.
Choi also raised accountability issues directed at National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo, stating, "Isn't the Speaker also responsible for the security of press conferences held in the Rotunda and other areas?" He added that measures would be taken to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Regarding the situation surrounding witness requests for the confirmation hearing, Choi noted, "There are currently no special developments." He mentioned that the schedule for the hearing of the Gender Equality and Family Committee has not yet been coordinated, and additional discussions between the ruling and opposition parties are necessary regarding witness requests.
Choi expressed concern that since the Democratic Party became the majority, there have been almost no accepted witness requests for confirmation hearings. He warned that if this situation continues, the confirmation hearings themselves could become ineffective. He urged the Democratic Party to change its stance on witness requests if they are confident in their position.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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