Controversy Erupts Over 'Human Stand' Amid Heatwave; 'Sincere Apologies' Offered

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A scene has been made public showing Korea Rural Community Corporation employees squatting in the scorching heat to manually support a briefing board for People Power Party leader Chang Dong-hyeok during his visit to a drought-stricken area. Facing backlash over "excessive protocol," the People Power Party apologized, stating they were unaware the employees were behind the board.

Reporter Jeong Yunsik has the details.

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People Power Party leader Chang Dong-hyeok visited Miryang, South Gyeongsang Province, where a drought has been prolonged.

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

Two men were squatting behind the board that leader Chang was looking at, holding the stand with their hands to support it.

They were both officials from the Korea Rural Community Corporation who were holding the board steady by hand so that it would not blow over in the wind while the briefing was being given to leader Chang.

As this scene sparked controversy, the Democratic Party criticized that employees were forced to act as "human supports" amid a heatwave with temperatures hovering around 34°C (93°F).

In response, the People Power Party apologized, stating that neither leader Chang nor the accompanying lawmakers knew that the employees were behind the briefing board.

[Park Choong-kwon / Chief Spokesperson, People Power Party : Leader Chang Dong-hyeok expressed his stance saying, 'It was something I was unaware of and I think it is truly regrettable,' and conveyed that he said, 'I am sincerely sorry' to the employees....]

The party also added that leader Chang expressed regret to the corporation and requested measures to prevent recurrence.

(Photo courtesy of Yonhap News / Video reporting: Lee Seung-hwan, Video editing: Choi Jin-hwa)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.