Attorney Kim Ye-won apologized regarding the mention of the disability of Representative Park Ji-won of the Democratic Party of Korea, saying, "It was entirely my fault."
Earlier, Attorney Kim attended a public hearing on four laws for judicial reform held by the Legislation and Judiciary Committee of the National Assembly on the 9th as a witness for the People Power Party.
During a Q&A session with Representative Park, Kim mentioned Park's disability, asking, "Don't you have one eye, Representative?"
Attorney Kim continued at that time, saying, "I also don't have one eye," adding, "I have been living as a disabled person, but I hardly met any disabled individuals until I became a lawyer."
In relation to this, Attorney Kim apologized through her social media, stating, "It was entirely my fault to mention Representative Park's disability in the hearing yesterday."
She added, "I personally apologized this morning to the representative, who seemed taken aback after hearing such a response. Fortunately, she said she was okay and accepted my apology."
Additionally, she wrote, "Seeing Representative Park, who usually wears glasses and actively engages in legislative activities, I thought she was remarkable, but seeing her in person after a long time made me inappropriately feel a one-sided familiarity, and I regret that too much."
She then stated, "The intent behind Representative Park's question was, 'Why do you oppose judicial reform while claiming to represent the socially vulnerable?' I should have simply said, 'Because without detailed provisions, the socially vulnerable will suffer the most if it is implemented as is.' I wonder why I was so foolish to say otherwise."
Attorney Kim explained, "In that moment, I thought, 'It seems like I need to explain the background, as I feel my work is being misunderstood.'"
She added, "Due to time constraints, I couldn't complete my remarks, leaving only awkward and rude responses. I sincerely apologize to those many who were hurt and angered by my thoughtless words and actions. Regardless of my true feelings or what I wanted to say, it does not lessen my wrongdoing yesterday at all."
Kim, who is visually impaired, began her legal career in 2012 and has been dedicated to improving various laws and systems related to the rights of the disabled. She currently works as the chief attorney at the Center for Disabled Rights Law.