(LEAD) Ruling party lawmaker accused of defamation for calling journalists 'pack of hyenas'

(LEAD) lawmaker-defamation

(ATTN: ADDS DP's decision to launch inspection of Choi in last 2 paras)

SEOUL, Nov. 12 (Yonhap) -- A police complaint was filed Thursday accusing ruling party Rep. Choi Min-hee of defamation for referring to journalists as "a pack of hyenas."

The complaint against Choi of the Democratic Party (DP) was filed with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency a week after the lawmaker made the comment in a KakaoTalk group chat while referring to an image of photo and video journalists covering a general meeting of DP lawmakers.

She also described the journalists as "doing everything to take videos that sow discord."

The complainant, Lee Jong-bae, a former Seoul city council member affiliated with the main opposition People Power Party, said Choi's comments revealed her perception of the press and exposed a double standard that chants democracy but scorns journalists that cause discomfort.

Choi held a press conference at the National Assembly on Wednesday and apologized for her remarks.

DP leader Kim Min-seok ordered the party's ethics committee to launch an internal inspection of Choi, party officials said.

"Party leader Kim views the various controversies surrounding Supreme Council member Choi's recent remarks and actions with grave concern," the party said in a message to media.

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