Representative Lee Jin-sook Protests Passing of DP-led Resolution Calling for Her Expulsion

Representative Lee Jin-sook announced that a resolution calling for her expulsion passed the National Assembly plenary session led by the Democratic Party on the 26th. She stated that this was "the first time in constitutional history" and explained that the reason was her holding a forum to re-examine the May 18th Democratic Uprising.

Representative Lee Jin-sook's side countered that she had not made any disparaging remarks about May 18th, but had merely hosted a forum for its re-examination.

Representative Lee Jin-sook argued that the May 18th Democratic Uprising should not be treated as sacred, and demanded the disclosure of the May 18th meritorious persons list and their achievements, which many citizens are curious about and question.

She emphasized the need to ensure transparency in the selection process and list of national meritorious persons, adding that this is directly related to the public's right to know.

Representative Lee Jin-sook raised the question of why, while all other meritorious persons are screened and selected by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, only May 18th meritorious persons are selected by Gwangju City.

She pointed out the issue of fairness compared to other national meritorious persons and asserted that a clear explanation and institutional improvement are needed regarding the entity responsible for selecting May 18th meritorious persons.

Representative Lee Jin-sook emphasized that the public should know the various benefits provided to May 18th meritorious persons and the amount of public tax money invested in them. She mentioned that "tens of billions or hundreds of billions of won in public funds, an unknown amount" are allocated every year.

She also explained that various benefits exist, such as a 10% bonus point for May 18th meritorious persons in civil service exams for grades 6, 7, and 8, and free use of cultural facilities.

Representative Lee Jin-sook argued that if May 18th is defined as a democratic movement, then freedom of expression, the primary value of democracy and guaranteed by the Constitution, should also apply to May 18th.

She emphasized that regardless of the definition as the May 18th Democratic Uprising, related historical materials should be disclosed, and accurate information, especially for the younger generation, needs to be conveyed.

Representative Lee Jin-sook publicly criticized Democratic Party Representative Kim Min-seok for suggesting she be called 'female Chun Doo-hwan' and for stating, "She doesn't seem to think it defames her reputation to be called 'female Chun Doo-hwan'." She characterized Representative Kim Min-seok's remarks as defamation and insult and announced legal action.

Representative Lee brought up Representative Kim Min-seok's past controversy involving alcohol, asking, "Is it the alcohol or the person that's the problem?" and retorted, "It is Representative Kim Min-seok who needs to come to his senses." She urged Representative Kim to reflect on and apologize for his remarks, warning that she would pursue legal procedures if he did not.

Representative Lee Jin-sook strongly criticized the notion that National Assembly members can hurl insults at other members without consequences, stating that the behavior of lawmakers like Kim Min-seok, who frequently make statements that damage others' reputations, must cease.

Representative Lee Jin-sook criticized the Democratic Party for making an issue of even the YouTube videos she shared, and for briefing that "necessary disciplinary measures will be swiftly taken against me, Lee Jin-sook, for sharing content from far-right YouTube."

She pointed out that this attempt by the Democratic Party shows a phenomenon where May 18-related content is being made sacred, chilling freedom of expression, and argued that issues that should be left to the judgment of individual citizens are being politically construed.

Representative Lee Jin-sook announced that she would propose a bill to amend related laws concerning the issue of May 18th meritorious persons. The direction of the amendment is broadly summarized into three points.

First, to ensure objectivity and fairness by transferring the May 18th meritorious persons screening body from the current Gwangju City to an institution under the Prime Minister. This is to ensure fairness with all national meritorious persons' screenings handled by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.

Second, to make deliberation and resolution by the Patriotic and Veterans Affairs Deliberation Committee mandatory, allowing for judgment by experts, and finally, to strengthen transparency by disclosing the list of meritorious persons and their achievements. Representative Lee emphasized, "The public should be able to judge whether it is appropriate for individuals related to the May 18th Democratic Uprising to receive preferential treatment."

Representative Lee Jin-sook stated that 60% to 70%, perhaps even 80%, of the reporters she met did not accurately know about May 18th. She emphasized that this was not the fault of the reporters, but "because May 18th has been made sacred to that extent."

Representative Lee again cited the fact that Gwangju City exclusively handles the screening of May 18th meritorious persons, pointing out that such information asymmetry and sanctification make problem-solving difficult.

Representative Lee Jin-sook pointed out that many commentators and even National Assembly members address this issue without actually watching the forum held on August 13th. She emphasized that "it is appropriate to discuss an issue after watching the relevant forum."

Representative Lee urged participants to verify the forum content directly and engage in discussions based on accurate information before criticizing.

Representative Lee Jin-sook stated that many lawmakers "expressed encouragement and support" after the forum on the 5th and after the resolution calling for her expulsion passed. She mentioned that a considerable number of them sent private messages of support.

Representative Lee announced that she plans to ask Democratic Party lawmakers to join the bill she will propose, expressing her desire to "satisfy the public's right to know and create a space where everyone can talk about May 18th, moving it beyond being a sacred cow."