Seoul: Rep. Kwon Young-jin of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) issued an apology Friday after he reportedly grabbed the party's floor leader by the collar during a heated protest concerning the allocation of parliamentary committee chairs.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Rep. Kwon, who is serving his second term as a lawmaker, took to the party's online group chat room to express his regret. He admitted that his words and actions were entirely his fault "regardless of the reason," acknowledging the disrespect shown to floor leader Jeong Jeom-sig and the potential disappointment or distress caused to fellow lawmakers, party members, and the public.

The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon when Rep. Kwon, along with several other PPP lawmakers, visited the office of floor leader Jeong. They demanded an explanation for the party's selection of committee chairs. During the confrontation, Rep. Kwon reportedly shouted at Jeong and grabbed him by the collar.

In response to the altercation, Jeong Jeom-sig did not attend a scheduled floor leadership meeting earlier in the day. The party's secretary-general, Rep. Jung Hee-yong, condemned the incident during a party meeting, emphasizing that violence cannot be justified under any circumstances. He apologized to party members and the public, pledging to take stern action to prevent future disruptions within the party.

The labor union representing PPP secretariat employees also expressed regret over the episode. Meanwhile, PPP chief spokesperson Park Sung-hoon suggested that disciplinary action against Kwon might be considered, highlighting a consensus that the issue requires more than just an apology. Park indicated that firm and stern measures would likely be taken once a request for disciplinary action is filed.

The National Assembly successfully elected the chairs of six standing committees allocated to the PPP on Thursday, concluding weeks of bipartisan deadlock over the composition of the parliamentary committees.