Lee Jin-sook, Chairperson of the Broadcasting and Communications Commission, Controversy Over Vacation, Strong Criticism from the Democratic Party

The Democratic Party has launched severe criticism against Lee Jin-sook, Chairperson of the Broadcasting and Communications Commission, for expressing an official stance five days after the rejection of her vacation request, stating, "What vacation or leave? Just resign and enjoy some bread and wine while taking a good rest."

On the 27th, Choi Min-hee, a member of the National Assembly and Chairperson of the Science, Technology, Information, Broadcasting and Communications Committee, expressed her strong regret via Facebook, saying, "It's truly incomprehensible to invoke 'the greater good' regarding the vacation rejection and even mention life-threatening situations."

Representative Choi especially emphasized that the time when the Chairperson applied for vacation was a national disaster situation.

Choi noted, "On July 18, when the Chairperson submitted her vacation request, the weather warning for flooding was at the 'serious' level," pointing out that tragic events due to extreme rainfall were occurring in various places like Chungnam, Gwangju, and Gyeongnam, and that another flooding occurred in Gapyeong on the 20th.

She continued to criticize, "I wonder if it's normal for a senior public official at the ministerial level to plan and apply for a vacation in the midst of a disaster."

Criticism of the Chairperson's Lack of Sense of Responsibility

Choi Min-hee emphasized that the Broadcasting and Communications Commission is the primary department responsible for disaster broadcasting, stating that it is only natural for the appointing authority to reject the Chairperson’s vacation during a disaster situation.

This was a rebuttal to the Chairperson's claim that applying for vacation and executing it are different matters, and that she would not have taken the vacation during an emergency situation.

Choi questioned, "On the day the vacation was rejected, was the disaster so serious that she couldn't say anything, or was she silent because it might rain again during the vacation?" and added, "Was she starting to think of a vacation because the heat was unbearable?"

In addition, Representative Choi mentioned various controversies surrounding the Chairperson, including the misuse of corporate credit cards and violations of political neutrality, stating, "Was it not appropriate for Lee Jin-sook to post a vacation plan while extreme rainfall was causing landslides, floods, and people being swept away, buried under mud, having their homes submerged and collapsed?"

Spread of Criticism Within the Democratic Party

After Lee Jin-sook expressed discomfort with media coverage regarding her rejected vacation request on the 27th, voices of criticism aimed at her have spread within the Democratic Party.

Park Chang-jin, a spokesperson for the party, emphasized during a briefing, "There is not a trace of responsibility or sense of duty in performing public office, and she is simply utilizing her position for self-promotion." He asserted, "The chairperson position of the Broadcasting and Communications Commission is not a trophy or private property handed over by Yoon Seok-yeol. It is not a stepping stone for political advancement."

Kwon Hyun, a member of the Science, Technology, Information, Broadcasting and Communications Committee, directly stated on Facebook, "Public officials like Lee Jin-sook, who apply for vacation during a disaster period, are not needed according to the people's will."

Choi Min-hee urged, "If you are going to confront the President at the Cabinet meeting, criticize the decisions of the appointing authority, and throw a tantrum saying you can’t work alone, then step down from the Chairperson position of the Broadcasting and Communications Commission," emphasizing, "Wouldn’t it be much better for you to enjoy a comfortable vacation while talking freely on some far-right YouTube channel for your own sake?"

Image source: Lee Jin-sook, Chairperson of the Broadcasting and Communications Commission / News1, News1