Seo Bum-soo's 'Kick-back' Remarks Draw Party Rebuke

South Korea's People Power Party has officially expressed regret over controversial remarks made by lawmaker Seo Bum-soo, who appeared to trivialize the severe 'Busan kick-back' assault case. The party's senior deputy spokesperson, Choi Soo-jin, stated that Seo's comments were "highly inappropriate" and could incite public outrage.

Choi emphasized that the joke was unsuitable and, while acknowledging Seo had apologized, stressed the need for him to offer an apology that the public can accept. The controversy arose when Seo allegedly asked fellow lawmaker Jin Jong-oh, "Lawmaker Jin Jong-oh, shall we do a kick-back?" before a forum hosted by independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon. This remark was seen as making light of the assault case, which involved a victim who was brutally attacked while returning home.

Seo Bum-soo issued a statement taking full responsibility for his actions and offering a deep apology to the victim and their family. He also confirmed he had spoken directly with the victim to apologize. The 'Busan kick-back' case, which occurred in 2022, later revealed through supplementary prosecution investigations that the assault was intended as a sex crime, not just a simple assault as initially perceived. The party hopes this incident does not overshadow their legislative efforts, particularly concerning the amendment of the Criminal Procedure Act.