Park Han-sol reports on Korea's financial regulators, along with fintech and insurance. She previously wrote about the art world, from biennales and exhibitions to fairs and auctions, with a focus on Seoul and the figures shaping the scene. Before joining The Korea Times, she spent a year at ABC News' Seoul bureau, contributing to coverage of major Asia-Pacific events.
Politicians slammed for trying to bring 'sensational' figures to Nat'l Assembly audit
Pengsoo, the penguin mascot of EBS. An opposition lawmaker planned to call in the character for the National Assembly's audit into the broadcaster but faced criticism for trying to gain publicity by summoning a figure irrelevant to the policies the Assembly will review. / Korea Times file
By Park Han-sol
By Park Han-sol
With the National Assembly's government audit commencing next week, some politicians are drawing criticism for trying to bring celebrities as witnesses and testifiers even though they have no particular relevance to the policies that will be examined.
One notable figure was Pengsoo, the fictitious penguin character of the Educational Broadcasting System (EBS).
Rep. Hwangbo Seung-hee of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) initially requested the EBS mascot to appear as a witness for the audit of the Assembly's Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee, claiming she needs to inspect the broadcaster's revenue structure and character copyright issues as well as ask Pengsoo about its work environment and benefits.
But she faced heavy backlash from Pengsoo fans who said if the actor who plays Pengsoo appears in person without the costume, it would inevitably reveal their identity ― which is top secret according to the contract between the actor and EBS ― and, if the giant penguin appears in character, the inspection would be a mere “show.”
Hwangbo later said that Pengsoo does not have to physically appear at the Assembly because it is not required for those giving testimony, adding she did not try to summon Pengsoo to gain publicity.
Ken Rhee, former lieutenant of the Korean Navy UDT/SEAL / Captured from YouTube
Another celebrity that may be called in to provide testimony is Ken Rhee, a former lieutenant of the Korean Navy UDT/SEAL who rose to online stardom recently after his appearance in the YouTube series “Fake Men.”
Rep. Jun Joo-hyae of the PPP serving on the Legislation and Judiciary Committee has requested to have Rhee provide his opinion about the Army's decision to abolish bayonet training for the committee's audit into the military court. In a YouTube video about firearms carrying techniques, Rhee had emphasized the importance of such training, calling the Army's move a “wrong approach.”
But the ruling Democratic Party of Korea is against calling in Rhee, saying the policy at issue is under the jurisdiction of the defense committee, not the legislation committee, and that the National Assembly audit may turn into a laughing stock by bringing in a YouTube personality.
Public criticism has also arisen that lawmakers are transforming an important platform for informing the public of how their taxes are spent into another sensational political show.
“If there is a valid reason for an entertainment figure like Pengsoo to attend the audit, I see no problem. However, as there is no reasonable cause for the calls, this seems like a mockery of the National Assembly audit and abuse of power,” an office worker in Seoul surnamed Jung told The Korea Times.
“Personally, this summons for the audit can only be seen as a politician's publicity stunt,” one user wrote on Hwangbo's Facebook.
However, some said that in the case of Rhee, his testimony can be helpful due to his experience with the Special Forces.
“After the show 'Fake Men,' Lt. Rhee has become a person who can bring a change to the public sentiment of men and women in their teens, 20s and 30s. And he is a person who is actually qualified to do so,” said one internet user. “This summons is not simply for the purpose of creating a sensation but is calling upon an expert who happens to have become famous.”