Changwon lawmaker fined for calling democracy groups 'parasite collective'

Nam Jae-wook, a People Power Party member of the Changwon City Council, has been fined for referring to pro-democracy organizations in South Gyeongsang Province as a "parasite collective."

According to legal sources, Judge Yoo Hee-seon of the Masan Branch of Changwon District Court issued a summary order on June 18 imposing a fine of 2 million won ($1,320) on Nam, who had been summarily indicted on insult charges.

A summary order imposes a financial penalty — such as a fine, minor fine or confiscation — through written review without a formal trial, and is used for relatively minor offenses. The subject may appeal by requesting a formal trial.

Nam did not request a formal trial, and the fine was finalized on July 1.

Nam faces charges stemming from an interview he gave on June 13 last year at the Hall of Korean Democracy in Masanhappo-gu, Changwon, during which he allegedly referred to pro-democracy organizations in South Gyeongsang Province as a "parasite collective."

He also sent text messages to leaders of some pro-democracy organizations suggesting they were "draining the budget by demanding excessive event fees."

The organizations responded by filing complaints against Nam on charges of defamation, insult, abuse of authority and obstruction of business.