GNP Chief Kang Apologizes for Joke

Grand National Party (GNP) Chairman Kang Jae-sup publicly apologized for his “inappropriate” joke at the New Year’s Luncheon on January 5 through his party’s spokesperson.

Spokesperson Na Kyeong-won reported that Chairman Kang said, “I express deep regret for having caused controversy due to an inappropriate expression regardless of the circumstances.”

Apart from this apology made through the spokesperson, it is being said that Chairman Kang will once again make an apology to the people while presiding over the party meeting early next week.

Meanwhile, GNP Ethics Committee chairman In Myung-jin said, “Chairman Kang’s comment must be resolved on a plain different from the Ethics Committee. Chairman Kang called and said, ‘I am sorry for inadvertently causing controversy.’” Chairman In also added, “Chairman Kang must make his own political decision regarding what sort of action he has to take and to what degree with regards to this matter.”

mhpark@donga.com