DPK imposes 6-month membership suspension on ex-lawmaker for using inappropriate language

Former lawmaker Choe Kang-wook answers questions from reporters in front of a court, Sept. 18. Korea Times file

The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) decided Wednesday to impose a six-month party membership suspension on one of its members for using a word meaning a female animal to apparently refer to first lady Kim Keon Hee.

Former DPK lawmaker Choe Kang-wook came under fire for using the Korean word "amkeot," which is used to refer to female animals, while comparing the government of President Yoon Suk Yeol to the animal farm in George Orwell's beast fable of the same name, during a book publishing event held Sunday.

On Wednesday, the DPK decided to take an emergency measure to suspend Choe's party membership.

Party leader Lee Jae-myung reportedly called for stronger measures against Choe.

Choe's use of the word stirred outrage both in and outside of the DPK, with women lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party calling for the permanent expulsion of Choe.

The former lawmaker was ousted from parliament in September after he was handed a suspended prison term for issuing a false intern certificate for the son of former Justice Minister Cho Kuk. He lost his seat in parliament but has kept his party membership. (Yonhap)