South Korean lawmaker apologizes for 'lapel-grabbing' protest

A South Korean lawmaker has apologized for physically grabbing the lapels of his party's floor leader and chief deputy floor leader. Kwon Young-se of the People Power Party admitted to the physical altercation, which stemmed from his dissatisfaction with his assigned parliamentary committee.

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Kwon apologized during the general meeting. He also said he would faithfully participate in the disciplinary process of the party's central ethics committee and calmly await the results.

During a party general meeting, Kwon expressed his apologies to the leaders he confronted, as well as to the public and fellow party members. He stated his intention to cooperate with any disciplinary proceedings by the party's ethics committee. The party's leadership had previously discussed severe disciplinary measures, including expulsion, for Kwon's behavior.

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Kwon told Floor Leader Jeong and lawmaker Song that he was sorry. He also apologized to the public, party members, and senior and junior lawmakers.

However, the current floor leader, Jeong Jin-seok, indicated a personal desire for leniency towards Kwon, despite the ongoing disciplinary process. Kwon had reportedly sought a position as the opposition's liaison for the intelligence committee but was instead assigned to the administrative safety committee, triggering his outburst.

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Although the Supreme Council discussed the highest level of disciplinary action, including recommending Kwon's withdrawal from the party, and the ethics committee has initiated disciplinary proceedings, personally, I hope for leniency for Kwon.