DP imposes 6-month membership suspension on ex-lawmaker for using inappropriate language

▲ Former lawmaker Choe Kang-wook answers questions from reporters in front of a court in this file photo taken Sept. 18, 2023. (Yonhap)

DP-disciplinary measure

DP imposes 6-month membership suspension on ex-lawmaker for using inappropriate language

SEOUL, Nov. 22 (Yonhap) -- The main opposition Democratic Party (DP) decided Wednesday to impose a six-month party membership suspension on one of its members for using a word meaning a female animal to apparently refer to first lady Kim Keon Hee.

Former DP lawmaker Choe Kang-wook came under fire for using the Korean word "amkeot," which is used to refer to female animals, while comparing the government of President Yoon Suk Yeol to the animal farm in George Orwell's beast fable of the same name, during a book publishing event held Sunday.

On Wednesday, the DP decided to take an emergency measure to suspend Choe's party membership.

Party leader Lee Jae-myung reportedly called for stronger measures against Choe.

Choe's use of the word stirred outrage both in and outside of the DP, with women lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party calling for the permanent expulsion of Choe.

The former lawmaker was ousted from parliament in September after he was handed a suspended prison term for issuing a false intern certificate for the son of former Justice Minister Cho Kuk. He lost his seat in parliament but has kept his party membership.

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