[Confirmation Hearing Super Week] ①A Fateful Week... Yong Steps Down, Opposition Demands More Resignations, Ruling Party Defends Nominees

Seven Confirmation Hearings Including Ministry of Justice Proceed
A Critical Juncture in Shaping the Political Landscape

Opposition Focuses Offensive on Kim Seungwon's Resignation
Democratic Party Asserts "Allegations Will Be Dispelled"

Editor's NoteAs the political landscape shifts following President Lee Jaemyung's announcement of the second round of cabinet appointments, a series of National Assembly confirmation hearings will take place this week. Starting with the Supreme Court justice nominee on the 14th, a total of seven hearings for nominees to head the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of National Defense, and other government departments, as well as for the special inspector, are scheduled through the 18th. We will examine the key points of contention in these confirmation hearings, the strategies of the ruling and opposition parties, and the potential direction of the political scene in a three-part series.

Despite the variable of Yong Hyein of the Basic Income Party withdrawing her candidacy for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, the tension surrounding the "confirmation hearing political season" remains high. In particular, the People Power Party is ramping up its offensive by demanding further withdrawals, including that of Kim Seungwon, nominee for Minister of Justice. The ruling party is putting up a strong defense and is determined to protect the remaining nominees.

Kim Seungwon, nominee for Minister of Justice, is responding to reporters' questions as he arrives at the confirmation hearing preparation office set up in Jeokseon Hyundai Building, Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 7th.

Seven Hearings Set After Yong Hyein's Withdrawal

The National Assembly's Special Committee on Personnel Hearings will conduct vetting of cabinet nominees from five ministries over two days, beginning on the 15th. On the 15th, hearings will be held for Lee Hyeongil, nominee for Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance; Kim Seungwon; and Lee Soyoung, nominee for Minister of SMEs and Startups. On the 16th, hearings will be held for Hong Jiseon, nominee for Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and Kang Shincheol, nominee for Minister of National Defense. Representative Yong withdrew her nomination after two weeks of controversy following her nomination, resulting in her hearing being cancelled. Confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice nominee Kim Seongsu and special inspector nominee Choi Gilsoo will be held today and on the 18th, respectively.

These hearings serve as a critical turning point for the political landscape ahead of the Chuseok holiday. With allegations related to real estate continuing to surface regarding nominees Kang Shincheol and Lee Hyeongil, and with attention focused more intensely on Kim Seungwon following Yong's withdrawal, a fierce political battle is expected. An aide to a National Assembly member who has worked since the 18th National Assembly said, "There was already major controversy during the confirmation of former Budget and Planning Minister-nominee Lee Hyewoon at the beginning of the year, but this time, there is even more buzz and controversy before the hearings have even started."

Intense Scrutiny from the Opposition, All-Out Defense from the Ruling Party

The People Power Party maintains that not only Kim Seungwon but the other ministerial nominees must also step down, citing their alleged unfitness for the posts. In particular, they are expected to focus their examination of Kim's alleged lobbying for Ministry of Food and Drug Safety approval, suspicions regarding family business activities, and the withdrawal of prosecution cases. However, as key witnesses for major hearings involving the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of National Defense were not adopted, there are concerns the hearings will lack substance. A member of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee from the People Power Party stated, "Just because you don't get a spoon doesn't mean you skip the meal," adding, "We will do everything we can, even if there are no witnesses."

The Democratic Party of Korea is focusing on defending the remaining nominees. In the case of Kim Seungwon, who is expected to face a unified offensive from the broader opposition, the party is building a strong defense, highlighting his symbolism as a proponent of prosecution reform and noting that the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety lobbying suspicion resulted in a suspension of indictment. Chief spokesperson Park Sungjoon said on CBS Radio that "for the past three years, the Yoon Suk Yeol administration's prosecution has investigated thoroughly," and that "the (lobbying) issue will be put to rest." However, within the party, there are calls to "fix the appointment process and enhance communication with the Blue House."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.