Lawmaker slammed for playing mobile game during audit
Rep. Kang Hoon-sik of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea plays a mobile phone game during a session of the National Assembly Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs and Startups Committee's audit of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, at the Assembly, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Oh Dae-geun
By Jung Da-min
Rep. Kang Hoon-sik of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has come under fire for playing a mobile phone game during a session of the National Assembly's annual audit of the government organizations.
A photographer captured Kang playing a game on his cellphone during a question and answer session of the Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs and Startups Committee's audit of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held at the Assembly, Thursday.
It was not the first time Kang has been caught playing a phone game during an audit session. In October 2017, Kang was found playing a phone game during an audit of the Seoul Metropolitan Government when he was a member of the Assembly's Land Infrastructure and Transport Committee.
“Kang's behavior has clearly demonstrated the DPK's attitude toward this year's audit. With a supermajority of 176 seats at the Assembly, the ruling party seems to view the audit venue as a playground,” said Hwang Kyu-hwan, spokesman for the main opposition People Power Party (PPP). “Rep. Kang, who ridiculed the Assembly, should immediately apologize to the people and the DPK should take appropriate measures.”
Kang apologized in a Facebook post.
“The fact that I played a mobile game at the National Assembly has been reported by media. I am sorry. Needless to say, my behavior was wrong. I will take time to reflect on my actions and practice self-restraint,” Kang wrote.
But criticism continued against the two-term lawmaker.
“It is evident that Rep. Kang's behavior at the Assembly audit represents the attitude of the government and the ruling party. That he was playing a game in such a situation shows that he has lost his mind,” said Kim Dong-gyun, deputy spokesman of the minor opposition Justice Party.