Kim Min-seok orders ethics probe into Choi Min-hee over “pack of hyenas” remarks... “Takes controversy seriously”

[Financial News] Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), ordered an internal ethics investigation into controversy over remarks and conduct by Supreme Council member Choi Min-hee, including her reference to a “pack of hyenas.”
The DPK said in a statement to the media on the 12th, “Party leader Kim Min-seok takes seriously the various controversies surrounding a series of recent remarks and actions by Supreme Council member Choi Min-hee, and has ordered the party’s Ethics Inspection Unit to immediately investigate the matter.”
It added, “The investigation is intended to objectively establish the facts and circumstances behind the issues raised so far and examine whether the party constitution, rules or ethics code have been violated.”
It emerged the previous day that Supreme Council member Choi had posted a message in a private group chat on the 5th, which included constituency party members, alongside photos of photo and video journalists reporting at the National Assembly. The message called them a “pack of hyenas” and said, “They’re doing that to get footage that will drive a wedge somehow.”
Choi wrote on Facebook, “I acknowledge that my wording was excessive and inappropriate, and I apologize.” She also held a press conference on the matter at the National Assembly Communication Building and apologized again.
Controversy flared up again that day after reports said Choi had remarked at a closed-door meeting with supporters last month to the effect that “President Lee Jae Myung opposed the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.”
The Blue House said the remark was baseless and expressed “strong regret.” Choi later wrote on Facebook that President Lee had consistently called for and secured the impeachment of former President Yoon, adding, “I got confused during the question-and-answer session. I’m sorry.”
[email protected] Park Sung-hyun Reporter