'Busan Roundhouse Kick' Victim Accepts Rep. Seo Beom-su's Apology... "The Supplementary Investigation Authority Issue Is More Important"

Kim Jin-ju (pseudonym), a writer and the victim of the 'Busan roundhouse kick' incident, accepted the apology from People Power Party Rep. Seo Beom-su on the 5th.

Kim contacted Rep. Seo that morning and said, "I understand such remarks could come out before the debate," adding, "I am truly fine." She continued, "I would hate to see this issue bury the debate on the abolition of the supplementary investigation authority, which is more important," and asked him to "make efforts so that the contents of the debate are well communicated to the public." Rep. Seo apologized again and replied that he would do his utmost to protect the victim.

Origins of the Controversy... 'Inappropriate Conversation' Before the Forum

The incident originated from a forum on the abolition of the supplementary investigation authority held at the National Assembly the previous day. The event, hosted by independent Rep. Han Dong-hoon and attended by writer Kim Jin-ju, was where Rep. Seo, before the forum began, remarked to Rep. Jin Jong-o, "Let's have a roundhouse kick match," to which Rep. Jin replied, "I'm better with my hands than my feet."

Once this exchange, made in front of a violent crime victim, became known, fierce criticism erupted. As the controversy grew, both lawmakers issued formal apologies via social media. Rep. Seo stated, "The pain of crime victims should never be spoken of lightly," and added, "If the victim permits, I will visit and apologize to them in person." Rep. Jin also posted, "I sincerely apologize to the victim, attendees, and the public who were hurt by my inappropriate remarks."

People Power Party: "It Was Inappropriate"... However, "No Discussion of Disciplinary Action"

Criticism continued within the People Power Party as well. Chief Floor Spokesperson Choi Soo-jin, meeting with reporters at the National Assembly communication center, pointed out, "It was an inappropriate remark for a lawmaker," and "It was far too inappropriate for the public to hear, and there was sufficient reason for public outrage." She noted that the remark was even more inappropriate given that the party has been opposing the Criminal Procedure Code amendment while emphasizing the protection of crime victims.

Spokesperson Choi said, "They have already apologized, but they must ensure the public is convinced," adding, "It is unfortunate that this issue is overshadowing the party's efforts regarding the Criminal Procedure Code." However, regarding a civic group's declaration to file a complaint against Rep. Seo with the party's Central Ethics Committee, she drew a line, saying, "There has been no discussion of disciplinary action within the party," and "It is a matter for the Ethics Committee to decide if a complaint is filed."

Democratic Party: "Clear Secondary Victimization... Take Responsible Action"

The Democratic Party also urged the People Power Party to take responsible action. Spokesperson Jang Yun-mi criticized in a written briefing, "Crime victims can never be the subject of jokes," and "The fact that People Power Party lawmakers made light of the incident at a forum attended directly by a violent crime victim is clear secondary victimization."

The Democratic Party pointed out that the People Power Party opposes the Criminal Procedure Code amendment while using victim protection as a pretext, claiming, "These remarks are an outrageous statement that makes even the sincerity of the People Power Party doubtful." They added, "A belated apology alone cannot fully heal the victim's wounds," and emphasized, "Do not brush this off as a trivial incident; you must take responsible action against the lawmakers in question along with a genuine apology."

Rep. Seo Beom-su: "I Feel a Heavier Sense of Responsibility... I Will Raise Awareness of the Problems with the Supplementary Investigation Authority"

Through his social media, Rep. Seo stated, "Today, I spoke with the victim on the phone and apologized to them directly." He conveyed, "The victim asked me to properly inform the public about the issue of the supplementary investigation authority," adding, "Hearing those words, I felt a heavier sense of responsibility."

He continued, "I also sincerely apologize to the public for causing concern," and stated, "To ensure that no unjust victim ever again suffers because the substantive truth is buried at the police investigation stage, I will raise awareness of the problems with abolishing the supplementary investigation authority and swiftly push for alternatives and legislative supplements." He added a pledge, saying, "I will approach this with a heavy and humble heart."