'Chief spokesman for Kim Jong-un': opposition leader attacks Moon
Rep. Na Kyung-won, floor leader of the main opposition Liberty Party of Korea (LPK), speaks at the National Assembly, Tuesday. Yonhap
By Park Si-soo
Rep. Na Kyung-won, floor leader of the main opposition Liberty Party of Korea (LPK), called President Moon Jae-in “chief spokesman for Kim Jong-in” in a rare direct verbal attack on the progressive head of state who is striving to boost inter-Korean ties and exchanges despite opposition from the hawkish conservative block.
In a speech at the National Assembly on Tuesday as a representative of the LPK, Na said she was “ashamed” of Moon who “acts and speaks for North Korea with great commitment.”
The four-term lawmaker went on, “Please stop it ― in order to dispel such shameful allegations that the President of the Republic of Korea is a chief spokesman for (North Korean leader) Kim Jong-un.”
Na seemed to pick up the metaphor from a
report last September, which depicted Moon as “top spokesman” for the North Korean leader. The report was criticizing Moon for treating Kim as a “normal world leader” in a speech at the U.N. General Assembly.
Na's remark threw the crowded chamber into chaos.
Ruling party lawmakers make a collective complaint about Na's remark. Yonhap
Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang tries to calm down lawmakers. Yonhap
Dozens of ruling party lawmakers walked out in a collective show of displeasure. Some yelled at Na, calling for an apology. Rep. Hong Young-pyo, Na's counterpart in the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, complained to Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang.
Na's speech was halted for 20 minutes.
Warping up her speech, she told reporters, “How pathetic, our nation is crumbling with opposition voices going unheeded.”
Ruling party leader Lee Hae-chan lashed out at the opposition floor leader, saying Na's remark constituted “contempt of the head of state,” a criminal act. Lee said his party would seek disciplinary action against Na.
Cheong Wa Dae expressed regret.
“Na's remark was clearly insulting to the head of state as well as to people who wish to bring permanent peace to the Korean Peninsula,” deputy presidential spokesman Han Jung-woo said in a statement. “We urge the LPK and Na to make a sincere apology to the people.”