People Power Party Leader Jang Dong-hyeok Issues Apology Over Controversy Surrounding "Human Support" Photo

[Anchor]

A single photo of People Power Party Leader Jang Dong-hyeok visiting a drought-stricken area has sparked controversy. Criticism arose over "excessive protocol" after Korea Rural Community Corporation employees were seen squatting in the scorching heat to hold up a briefing board with their hands. The People Power Party apologized, stating they were unaware that employees were positioned behind the board.

Reporter Jeong Yunsik has the details.

[Reporter]

People Power Party Leader Jang Dong-hyeok visited Miryang, South Gyeongsang Province, where a prolonged drought has hit.

While receiving a briefing on the current situation from the Korea Rural Community Corporation at a reservoir, people could be seen tucked between the makeshift briefing boards set up at the site.

Two men were squatting behind the board that Leader Jang was looking at, using their hands to hold and support the board stand.

Both were officials from the Korea Rural Community Corporation, and they were manually securing the board—which detailed damage status and water supply plans—to prevent it from blowing over in the wind while the briefing was being given to Leader Jang.

As this scene sparked controversy, the Democratic Party criticized that employees were forced to act as "human supports" in scorching heat reaching 34°C (93°F).

In response, the People Power Party issued an apology, stating that Leader Jang and the accompanying lawmakers were all unaware that employees were behind the briefing board.

[Park Choong-kwon / Chief Spokesperson, People Power Party : Leader Jang Dong-hyeok also stated, 'It was something I was unaware of and I think it is truly regrettable,' and expressed his sincere apologies to the employees involved.]

The party also conveyed that Leader Jang expressed regret to the corporation and requested measures to prevent recurrence.

(Photo courtesy of Yonnhap News)
(Video by Lee Seung-hwan | Video Editing by Choi Jin-hwa)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.