The appearance of a funeral-style portrait of President Lee Jae-myung at an event hosted by People Power Party lawmaker Lee Jin-suk at the National Assembly has sparked controversy.
During a Supreme Council meeting today, Democratic Party Floor Leader Han Byung-do criticized the event, stating, "Lawmaker Lee Jin-suk has once again turned the National Assembly into a stage for far-right elements to run wild."
"Even a funeral portrait of President Lee Jae-myung appeared," Han pointed out, adding, "It is unbelievable that using the funeral portrait of a sitting president as a tool in a rally took place inside the National Assembly."
Democratic Party Floor Spokesperson Lee Joo-hee said in a written briefing, "Is Lawmaker Lee out of her mind, bringing out a funeral portrait of President Lee on top of bringing in groups that disparage the May 18 democratization movement?"
She further demanded, "Lawmaker Lee must immediately apologize to the public and leave the National Assembly."
Democratic Party Supreme Councilor Seo Mi-hwa also posted on social media, pointing out, "No matter if it was brought by a rally participant, as it happened at an event hosted by Lawmaker Lee, she cannot avoid responsibility."
Previously yesterday, an event titled "The People Judge! National Rally" hosted by Lawmaker Lee was held on the stairs in front of the National Assembly main building.
Attendees held placards bearing phrases such as "Lee Jae-myung OUT," "Kim Min-seok OUT," "Reveal the truth of election fraud," and "Fully disclose the list of May 18 merit recipients."
However, controversy arose after some participants were captured attending with a large banner depicting President Lee's photo styled as a funeral portrait.
Lawmaker Lee's side explained, "It was not set up by the organizers, but done by an individual." Lawmaker Lee hit back on social media by posting photos from a rally held last year calling for the dismissal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol—including one where lawmaker Kim Byung-joo and a supporter posed with a model sword reading "Yoon Suk Yeol Beheading"—stating, "The Democratic Party's double standards are showing once again."
As the controversy grew, the National Assembly Secretariat expressed strong regret toward Lawmaker Lee.
In an official statement, the National Assembly Secretariat said, "We express deep regret over the repeated historical distortion and defamation regarding May 18, and the transformation of the National Assembly into a space of extreme hatred and conflict," adding, "We will devise measures to prevent recurrence."
Reported by Jung Da-eun | Video by Na Hong-hee | Graphics by Lee Su-min | Produced by SBS Digital News
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