Kim Geon-hee submits a letter of reason for absence from the Science, Technology, Information, Broadcasting and Communications Committee hearing… Claims "mental and physical weakness"
Kim Geon-hee, the spouse of former President Yoon Seok-yeol, submitted a letter of reason for her absence from the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information, Broadcasting and Communications Committee (Science and Technology Committee) hearing.
In her letter, Kim cited mental and physical weakness as the reason.
On the 25th, Choi Min-hee, a member of the Science and Technology Committee from the Democratic Party, announced on her Facebook that "Kim Geon-hee sent a letter of reason for her absence from the Science and Technology Committee hearing. It is polite," adding, "She claimed to be mentally and physically weak."
The letter of absence made public by Choi contains the statement: "I, the undersigned, am currently experiencing difficulties in external activities due to recent mental and physical weakness, and I kindly ask for your understanding that I am unable to attend the committee."
Submission of the letter of reason for absence aligns with legal procedures
According to Article 5-2 of the Act on the Testimony and Appraisal in the National Assembly (National Assembly Testimony Act), a witness who cannot attend due to unavoidable reasons must submit a letter of reason for absence at least three days before the attendance request date.
Kim's submission of the letter appears to follow this legal procedure.
Earlier, on the 18th, the Science and Technology Committee held a full meeting and decided to hold a "hearing on issues related to the forced privatization of YTN and suspicions of media control attempts by the Yoon Seok-yeol government during the state of emergency on December 3" on the 30th, during which Kim Geon-hee was selected as a key witness.
Kim Geon-hee selected as a key witness
At that time, Choi stated, "This person (Kim) is not only claimed to have risked her life for the closure of media outlets but is also under suspicion of orchestrating public opinion through far-right YouTubers," strongly urging her attendance at the hearing.
Opinions within political parties regarding Kim's decision to not attend the hearing are expected to diverge.
The opposition party is likely to criticize her absence due to mental and physical weakness as a move to evade truth-finding, while the ruling party is expected to advocate for her to focus on recovering her health away from political attacks.
Image source: News1, Facebook 'Choi Min-hee'
