1. Introduction to the text
This article discusses the controversy surrounding National Assembly Science, ICT, Future Planning, Broadcasting and Communications Committee chairperson Min-hee Choi’s daughter’s wedding gift money. The article provides details about the messages found on Choi’s phone regarding the wedding gifts, and the subsequent explanations and reactions.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning | Contextual Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 축의금 | chuk-ui-geum | wedding gift money | The messages on Choi’s phone contained the amounts of wedding gift money received from various companies and individuals. |
| 위원장 | wi-won-jang | committee chairperson | Choi is the chairperson of the National Assembly Science, ICT, Future Planning, Broadcasting and Communications Committee. |
| 국회 | guk-hoe | National Assembly | The controversy occurred during the National Assembly’s audit period. |
| 최민희 | Choi Min-hee | Choi Min-hee (a politician) | Choi Min-hee, the National Assembly committee chairperson, was at the center of the controversy. |
| 의원 | ui-won | member of the National Assembly | Choi Min-hee is a member of the National Assembly. |
| 보좌진 | bo-swa-jin | staff/aides | Choi instructed her staff to return the wedding gift money. |
| 반환 | ban-hwan | return, refund | Choi said she instructed her staff to return the wedding gift money. |
| 이해 충돌 | i-hae chung-dol | conflict of interest | There were concerns about a potential conflict of interest regarding the wedding gift money. |
| 메시지 | me-si-jeu | message | The messages on Choi’s phone contained details about the wedding gift money. |
| 해명 | hae-myeong | explanation, clarification | Choi’s office provided an explanation about the wedding gift money messages on her phone. |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
국회 과방위원장 최민희 의원의 딸 결혼식 축의금 논란이 계속되고 있습니다. 최 의원의 휴대전화 화면에서 대기업과 언론사 이름, 축의금 액수 등이 발견되었는데, 최 의원은 이를 반환하도록 지시한 메시지라고 해명했습니다.
The controversy surrounding the wedding gift money of National Assembly Science, ICT, Future Planning, Broadcasting and Communications Committee chairperson Min-hee Choi’s daughter’s wedding continues. The names of major corporations and media companies, as well as the amounts of the wedding gifts, were found on Choi’s phone screen, and Choi explained that these were messages instructing her staff to return the money.
최 의원 측은 상임위 관련 기관이나 기업 등에서 들어온 축의금 중 친분에 비춰 관례 이상으로 들어온 금액을 반환하기로 했다고 밝혔습니다. 이에 대해 일부에서는 이해 충돌 논란이 있었던 것으로 보인다고 지적했습니다.
Choi’s office stated that they decided to return the wedding gift money that was received from organizations and companies related to the standing committee, as the amounts exceeded the usual practice based on their relationships. Some have pointed out that there were concerns about a potential conflict of interest regarding this matter.
국감 기간 중 딸의 결혼식을 치른 것 자체에 대한 논란도 있었습니다. 최 의원은 딸의 결혼식 날짜를 바꾸기 어려웠다며 국감 참석을 최소화했다고 설명했지만, 일부에서는 이에 대한 비판의 목소리도 있었습니다.
There was also controversy over the fact that Choi held her daughter’s wedding during the National Assembly audit period. Choi explained that it was difficult to change the wedding date, and she minimized her participation in the audit, but there were also criticisms about this.
최 의원은 축의금 반환 계획을 밝혔지만, 일부 언론과 정치인들은 여전히 이해 충돌 문제가 있다고 지적하고 있습니다. 이 사안은 향후 국회 내에서 계속 논의될 것으로 보입니다.
While Choi announced plans to return the wedding gift money, some media outlets and politicians are still pointing out the potential conflict of interest issues. This matter is likely to continue being discussed within the National Assembly going forward.
국회 과방위원장인 최민희 의원의 딸 결혼식 축의금 논란은 아직 해결되지 않은 상태입니다. 최 의원은 축의금 반환을 지시했지만, 일부에서는 여전히 이해 충돌 문제가 있다고 지적하고 있습니다.
The controversy over the wedding gift money of National Assembly Science, ICT, Future Planning, Broadcasting and Communications Committee chairperson Min-hee Choi’s daughter’s wedding has not yet been resolved. While Choi instructed the return of the wedding gifts, some are still pointing out the potential conflict of interest issues.
이번 사태를 계기로 국회 의원들의 사적 행사 참석과 축의금 수수 등에 대한 논의가 이루어질 것으로 보입니다.
This incident is likely to prompt discussions within the National Assembly regarding the attendance of lawmakers at private events and the acceptance of wedding gift money.
4. Reading comprehension questions
- What was the controversy surrounding Min-hee Choi’s daughter’s wedding gift money?
- What did the messages on Choi’s phone contain, and how did Choi’s office explain them?
- What was the reason given by Choi’s office for returning some of the wedding gift money?
- What were the criticisms and concerns raised regarding Choi’s actions?
- How is this controversy likely to be addressed going forward within the National Assembly?
5. Cultural and historical notes
In South Korean culture, it is common for guests to give monetary gifts (called “chuk-ui-geum”) to the couple during a wedding ceremony. The amount of these gifts is often seen as a reflection of the relationship between the giver and the couple. This controversy highlights the potential conflicts of interest that can arise when public officials receive large sums of money from individuals or organizations with whom they have professional relationships.