A filibuster launched by the opposition Minjoo Party of Korea opposing the enactment of an antiterrorism has brought Rep. Eun Soo-mi into the limelight. The Seoul National University graduate set a new Korean record for the longest filibuster, and galvanized the support of many observers, which lead to numerous contributions. (Image : Yonhap)
SEOUL, Feb.25 (Korea Bizwire) – A filibuster launched by the opposition Minjoo Party of Korea opposing the enactment of an antiterrorism law has brought Rep. Eun Soo-mi into the limelight. The Seoul National University graduate set a new Korean record for the longest filibuster, and galvanized the support of many observers, which lead to numerous contributions.
Rep. Eun started speaking at 2:30 a.m. on February 25. She finished her monologue at 12:48 p.m. the same day, 10 hours and 18 minutes after she began speaking. She surpassed the previous filibuster record of Rep. Park Han-sang by three minutes. Rep. Park spoke for 10 hours and 15 minutes opposing the constitutional amendment that allowed presidents to serve for three terms.
After finishing her speech, Eun commented that the experience was intense. “It was a hard job. My whole body hurt. I was worried that I might not make it because of my health. But I’m relieved that I somehow managed to finish.”
Eun’s sincerity was on display for all to see through her filibuster. The last stages of her arguments moved the hearts of many, especially young people.
Quoting ex-president Kim Dae-jung’s words, Eun said that she “spoke out because she had no choice but to speak out” in a shaking voice, saying that it was true courage. She emphasized that there are more important issues than fighting terrorism, such as economic and social problems that have young Koreans stuck in a rut. Her speech spread through SNS rapidly, gaining the compassion of many.
The compassion seems to have led to many contributions. According to Kookmin Ilbo, a Korean journal, Rep. Eun was surprised at the many contributions made by people who listened to her speak.
Eun’s sincerity was on display for all to see through her filibuster. The last stages of her arguments moved the hearts of many, especially young people. (Image : Yonhap)
She confessed that her desperation and longing seemed to have shown during the filibuster. “It was a lonely and painful fight, but I think the wish to change the world was mutual.”
Eun uploaded a picture of eight bankbooks. (Image : Rep. Eun’s Facebook)
She uploaded a picture of eight bankbooks. “I had to have seven new bankbooks made to record all of the contributions made by people who donated 10,000 to 20,000 won each. I am speechless. I am very grateful for all the contributions and support.”
By Francine Jung (francine.jung@kobizmedia.co.kr)
