On the 19th, the People Power Party urged President Lee Jae-myung to withdraw his nomination of Choi Kyo-jin as the Minister of Education, stating that Choi is “completely unqualified to be the head of education.”
Song Eon-seok, the acting chairman and floor leader of the emergency response committee of the People Power Party, stated during a party policy meeting held at the National Assembly that “Choi’s past actions suggest he would lead the education field in South Korea into grave confusion and is an ideologically and politically biased individual.”
Acting Chairman Song expressed strong doubts about Choi’s national perspective. He argued that “Choi once shared a conspiracy theory on his social media, claiming the sinking of the ROKS Cheonan was caused by an Israeli submarine, thereby insulting the noble sacrifice of our soldiers who lost their lives due to North Korean provocations.” He also pointed out that “Choi has mocked the passing of former President Park Chung-hee during the 10.26 incident by referring to it as ‘Tang Tang Day.'”
Additionally, Song criticized Choi for stating, “To truly understand students, one should take baths and drink alcohol with them,” arguing that Choi lacks basic dignity and awareness, not only as an educator but also as an ordinary adult.
Song further criticized Choi’s history of drunk driving, highlighting that “In the teaching profession, drunk driving is considered a serious violation, preventing even regular teachers from being promoted. Yet, Choi was fined in court for drunk driving in 2003.” He declared, “Having a Minister of Education nominee with a history of drunk driving is an insult to diligent teachers.”
Song concluded by stating, “President Lee Jae-myung should immediately retract Choi’s nomination in light of the public’s anger and parental concerns, and fulfill his responsibility as a president towards the citizens.”