Korean Prime Minister’s Controversial Remarks: What Does ‘Nothing’ Mean for the Military?

[iNews24 Reporter Yoo Beom-yeol] On the afternoon of February 10, Kim addressed a statement by People Power Party lawmaker Yoon Young-seok, who said, “Reviewing Representative Park’s comments, they weren’t insulting the military but expressing concern about security threats. I hope you’ll consider apologizing if given the opportunity.” Kim responded, “While I appreciate your generous interpretation, examining the context of Representative Park’s remarks reveals statements about our military that are difficult to accept.”

Kim elaborated, “I overlooked the insulting remarks directed at me by Representative Park. However, as Prime Minister, if I were to ignore his assertion that the Republic of Korea’s military exists solely to protect Kim Jong Un’s feelings, I would be failing in my duty as a public official.”

When Yoon urged, “Please review the content, and if Representative Park is sincere, I hope you’ll apologize,” Kim firmly stated, “Given that the entire nation witnessed it, there’s nothing for Representative Park to apologize for.”

The previous day, Kim and Park had engaged in a heated exchange during the government question session. When Park criticized Kim’s response to questions about North Korea’s nuclear submarines, saying, “Don’t try to slither away like a snake,” Kim retorted, “Isn’t it inappropriate to use such insulting language? Please retract that and ask your question again.”

Park then commented on the military’s response to the reduction of joint U.S.-South Korea exercises, stating, “There’s no discipline, no training, nothing at all; the only thing left is pandering to Kim Jong Un’s sensitivities.” Kim forcefully responded, “You need to maintain basic decorum. Are you seriously suggesting that the Republic of Korea’s military is worthless?” He warned that if Park didn’t retract his statement, he would refuse to answer any further questions.

People Power Party floor leader Song Eon-seok criticized Kim’s behavior on his Facebook page the day before, asserting, “For the Prime Minister to shout ‘Are you really saying that?’ at a member of the National Assembly, who represents the people, in the main chamber is an extremely arrogant act that disqualifies him from serving as Prime Minister.”