South Korean parties clash over president's name, bypass committee vote

Political tensions flared in South Korea's National Assembly as lawmakers clashed over the use of President Yoon Suk-yeol's name without a formal title. The heated exchange occurred during a National Assembly Steering Committee meeting on Tuesday, which was discussing a bill to expedite legislative reviews.

The controversy ignited when Kim Tae-gyu of the People Power Party vociferously objected to a remark by Jeon Yong-gi of the Democratic Party, who referred to the president simply as "Yoon Suk-yeol." Kim demanded an explanation, questioning the disrespectful manner of address.

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Where are you calling Yoon Suk-yeol like a neighborhood kid?

In response, Democratic Party lawmakers defended the usage, pointing out that People Power Party representatives frequently refer to opposition leader Lee Jae-myung by his name alone. They cited instances, such as a recent rally sign, where Lee was addressed informally. The Democratic Party argued that the People Power Party's strong reaction to the use of "Yoon Suk-yeol" was hypocritical given their own practices.

The dispute overshadowed the committee's discussion of the legislative bill, which aims to reduce the review period for fast-tracked legislation from 180 days to 60 days in standing committees and from 90 days to 30 days in the Justice and Legislation Committee. Following the heated argument, the People Power Party members walked out of the meeting and did not participate in the vote.

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The leader of the People Power Party calls President Lee Jae-myung just Lee Jae-myung, doesn't he?