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Vote by show of hands seems rude at hearing

Posted December. 08, 2016 07:53,   

Updated December. 08, 2016 08:23

한국어

Besides election by secret ballots, there are several voting methods to determine all those in favor of the particular motion and all those opposed to the motion in a simple and efficient manner. For example, voice vote or hand-clap vote counts votes by sound response through verbal responding or physical actions. Unfortunately, in close cases, these voting mechanisms can be imprecise to decide the winning party. On the other hand, vote by show of hands or rising will deliver more accurate results as you can count the number of votes. In addition, rising vote had been a principal voting mechanism at the National Assembly because it was considered more symbolic and ceremonial gesture than showing of hands.

Vote by show of hands is commonly used in everyday life. For example, at work, a simple show of hands is often used by a boss who wants to get responses from employees. However, probably no employee has a gut to ask his or her boss to show their hands to vote. The same phenomenon can also be found in relationship between seniors and juniors. Making simple physical actions are obviously not something to fuss around. However, when it comes to hierarchical relationships, it would be considered a bit rude behavior.

During the National Assembly’s investigation on the Choi Soon-sil gate on Tuesday, Rep. Ahn Min-seok of the main opposition Democratic Party told nine chaebol chairmen sitting in front of him to show their hands if they were in favor of disassembling the Federation of Korean Industries. They looked puzzled and reluctant at first, trying to read others’ thinking. After Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin raised his hand, few others followed him. On the front pages of Wednesday edition of the Dong-A Ilbo, the Chosun Ilbo, the Korea JoongAng Daily and the Hankyoreh were pictures of chaebol leaders raising their hands after Rep. Ahn’s push. Local news outlets might have thought that it was one of the most impressive moments of the investigation.

Ahn is 50 years old, while Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Mong-koo is 78 years old, CJ Group Chairman Sohn Kyung-shik is 77 years old and LG Group Chairman Koo Bon-moo is 71 years old. Hanjin Group Chairman Cho Yang-ho and other two are in their 60s. All participants, except Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, are older than the lawmaker. It was quite like a young military instructor at boot camp trying to discipline new recruits who are older than him. It is a basic courtesy to meet and ask individually if Ahn wants to know their opinions about disassembling the Federation of Korean Industries. This inappropriate and rude scene was not even witnessed during the hearing on Il-hae Foundation 28 years ago.



pisong@donga.com