Kang Hyun-kyung

What is it like to be grilled by aggressive lawmakers during a live event broadcast on TV and streamed in real time on YouTube? How would you feel if politicians pressured you into taking actions that you find unacceptable? How would you respond when attention-seeking politicians try to ridicule you in order to draw attention to themselves?

There won't be many options available to you, so you endure the situation, especially if you are a government employee in a hierarchical structure expected to follow orders rather than challenge your superiors. Most people understand this dynamic and accept it without complaint, hoping that the discomfort will eventually pass. They often internalize these unpleasant experiences without reacting outwardly.

I raised these questions and answered them myself while watching the National Assembly committees inspect Cabinet ministries and state-run agencies last week.

I was disturbed by lawmakers who pressured government officials and witnesses to answer their nonsensical questions. What bothered me most was the abusive behavior of some lawmakers who yelled at or bullied witnesses simply because their answers did not align with what the politicians wanted to hear.

The National Assembly Interior and Safety Committee meeting last week was delayed over a minor issue involving a confrontation between Chairman Shin Jeong-hoon and a witness from the Truth and Reconciliation Committee. The conflict began when a director-general level official appeared wearing a mask. Rep. Shin insisted that he remove the mask, claiming he could not recognize him. The official politely declined, explaining that he had worked with the National Intelligence Agency (NIS) for 28 years before joining the Truth Committee, and that due to the sensitive nature of his previous work, he needed to conceal his identity. He emphasized that protecting his identity was crucial, as revealing it could put his informants at risk. However, the lawmaker dismissed his concerns and insisted that he take off the mask. Ultimately, the official was ordered to leave the venue due to his continued refusal.

If Rep. Shin genuinely wanted to verify the official's identity, he and the other committee members could have done so in a closed-door session, allowing the witness to remain masked during the public proceedings. However, the lawmaker did not consider this option and continued yelling at the official until he was forced to leave the venue. This behavior was inappropriate. Shin's impulsive and emotional decision proved to be self-destructive, as it prevented him and fellow lawmakers from questioning the official effectively.

Whenever the National Assembly inspection takes place around this time of year, I try to put myself in the shoes of the Cabinet ministers, officials, and witnesses summoned to answer lawmakers' questions. I sympathize with them, knowing how stressful it can be to deal with demanding lawmakers.

More than a decade ago, I had a brief conversation with the head of a state-run agency. He was a U.S.-educated elite who had taught at a university before taking on his government role. A workaholic, his perfectionist work style often drove his staff to the brink, leading them to work late into the night frequently. His demanding nature caused significant stress for his team.

I suggested to him that he could slow down, but he shook his head and replied, "You say that because you haven't experienced how lawmakers operate. They constantly try to find faults with me and my organization, exaggerating minor mistakes to discredit us. The best way to handle people like them is to do your work perfectly, leaving no room for criticism."

Not all lawmakers are mean, but many behave in an entitled manner, acting as though they are above the law.

There are smooth operators who are wise and capable enough to achieve their goals without yelling or coercing others. However, reasonable and mature politicians are rare in Korea. Overall, this year's National Assembly inspection was disappointing, as I was once again convinced that it is truly difficult to find decent lawmakers who ask the right questions and behave appropriately.

Kang Hyun-kyung is a Korea Times editorial writer.