SEOUL - The Democratic Party (DP), South Korea's main opposition party, has issued a warning to former lawmaker Choe Kang-wook for using language deemed derogatory towards women. This disciplinary action was announced on Tuesday, following Choe's controversial remarks at a recent event.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Choe Kang-wook, during a book publishing event on Sunday, used the Korean word "amkeot," typically used to refer to female animals, to draw a comparison between the government of President Yoon Suk Yeol and the animal farm in George Orwell's fable. Despite Choe's assertion that his intention was not to demean women, his comment sparked significant backlash.
The warning against Choe was issued by the DP's secretary general, Rep. Cho Jeong-sik, who described the remark as "hurtful" and "very wrong." This reaction has fueled further criticism from members of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), particularly from female lawmakers who labeled the warning as insufficient.
Rep. Kim Young-sun, speaking for the women lawmakers of the PPP, condemned Choe's statement, calling for his permanent exclusion from political circles. Additionally, she demanded the expulsion of other DP lawmakers who had invited Choe to the event, including Reps. Min Hyung-bae and Kim Yong-min.
Choe Kang-wook was removed from parliament in September after receiving a suspended prison sentence for issuing a false intern certificate. Although he lost his parliamentary seat, he has maintained his membership in the Democratic Party.