1. Introduction to the text
This reading lesson discusses the influence and power of Democratic Party chairperson Choo Mi-ae, as described by comedian Hwang Hyeon-hui. It explores how Choo’s actions can make people into stars or even presidents, and the challenges she poses to others in the party.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning | Contextual Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 있다 | itda | to exist, to be | 누구는 대통령도 되는 일이 있었다. (There was even a case where someone became president.) |
| 조희대 | Jo Hee-dae | a person’s name | 이어 “예전부터 추 위원장이 뭐만 건드리면 상대방이 엄청나게 이슈가 되고 스타가 된다. (Continuing, “For a long time, whenever Chairperson Choo touches something, the other person becomes a huge issue and a star.) |
| 추미애 | Choo Mi-ae | a person’s name | 예전부터 추 위원장이 뭐만 건드리면 상대방이 엄청나게 이슈가 되고 스타가 된다. (For a long time, whenever Chairperson Choo touches something, the other person becomes a huge issue and a star.) |
| 위원장이 | wiwonjangi | chairperson | 예전부터 추 위원장이 뭐만 건드리면 상대방이 엄청나게 이슈가 되고 스타가 된다. (For a long time, whenever Chairperson Choo touches something, the other person becomes a huge issue and a star.) |
| 민주당 | Minju-dang | Democratic Party | 이는 최근 민주당 부승찬·서영교 의원 등이 제기한 이른바 ‘4인 회동설’을 근거로 열리게 된 것이다. (This was held based on the so-called “four-person meeting” raised by Democratic Party representatives Bu Seung-chan and Seo Young-gyo.) |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
개그맨 황현희는 “예전부터 추 위원장이 뭐만 건드리면 상대방이 엄청나게 이슈가 되고 스타가 된다. 누구는 대통령도 되는 일이 있었다”고 말했다.
Comedian Hwang Hyeon-hui said, “For a long time, whenever Chairperson Choo touches something, the other person becomes a huge issue and a star. There was even a case where someone became president.”
다른 출연자는 “일부에서는 보수의 참어머니라는 말도 있다”고 의견을 보탰다.
Another participant added, “Some even call her the true mother of the conservatives.”
박성태 사람과사회연구소 실장은 “추 위원장이 누구의 말을 듣는 스타일이 아니다”라면서 “거기에 지금 당 대표보다 선수가 훨씬 높지 않나. 누구도 제어할 수 없는 상황”이라고 했다.
Park Seong-tae, the director of the Institute for People and Society, said, “Chairperson Choo is not the type to listen to anyone’s words,” and “on top of that, her skills are much higher than the current party leader. It’s a situation where no one can control her.”
이는 최근 민주당 부승찬·서영교 의원 등이 제기한 이른바 ‘4인 회동설’을 근거로 열리게 된 것이다.
This was held based on the so-called “four-person meeting” raised by Democratic Party representatives Bu Seung-chan and Seo Young-gyo.
4. Reading comprehension questions
- According to the text, what does comedian Hwang Hyeon-hui say about Chairperson Choo Mi-ae’s influence?
- What does another participant say about how some people view Choo Mi-ae?
- What does Park Seong-tae say about Choo Mi-ae’s leadership style and position within the party?
- What was the basis for the recent meeting mentioned in the text?
- Based on the information provided, what challenges does Choo Mi-ae’s influence pose for the Democratic Party?
5. Cultural and historical notes
Choo Mi-ae is the current chairperson of the Democratic Party of Korea, one of the two major political parties in the country. Her actions and influence within the party have been the subject of much discussion and debate. This reading lesson provides insights into how her leadership is perceived by others in the political sphere.