[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 NoteFollowing the announcement of the second cabinet reshuffle by the Lee Jaemyung administration, the political landscape is in turmoil, with a series of National Assembly confirmation hearings set to take place this week. Beginning on the 14th with the Supreme Court justice nominee, a total of seven hearings for ministerial candidates—including those for the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of National Defense—and the Special Inspector nominee will be held through the 18th. Over the course of three installments, we will examine the key issues at stake in these hearings, the strategies of both the ruling and opposition parties, and the potential direction of the political situation.

Despite the unexpected variable introduced by Yong Hyein of the Basic Income Party resigning from her candidacy for Minister of Gender Equality and Family, the tension surrounding the "confirmation hearing season" remains high. In particular, the People Power Party is intensifying its offensive by demanding additional resignations, including that of Kim Seungwon, the Minister of Justice nominee. The ruling party is said to be making an all-out effort to defend the remaining candidates.

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 Amid Yong Hyein's Withdrawal

On the 15th and 16th, the National Assembly will embark on a vetting process for five ministerial candidates across various cabinet posts. On the 15th, hearings will be held for Lee Hyungil, 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, the hearings will feature Hong Jisun, nominee for Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and Kang Shinchul, nominee for Minister of National Defense. Representative Yong withdrew voluntarily after two weeks of controversy following her nomination, leading to the cancellation of her hearing. The hearings for Supreme Court Justice nominee Kim Sungsoo and Special Inspector nominee Choi Gilsu will take place today and on the 18th, respectively.

With the Chuseok holiday approaching, these confirmation hearings are expected to serve as a key inflection point in shaping the direction of the political landscape. As suspicions regarding real estate have been raised around nominees Kang Shinchul and Lee Hyungil, and with the resignation of Yong Hyein, the attention of both parties is expected to focus intensely on nominee Kim Seungwon, making for a fierce strategic battle. A parliamentary aide who has worked at the National Assembly since the 18th session commented, "Even when Lee Hyehoon, then-nominee for Minister of Planning and Budget, dropped out earlier this year, the controversy was significant, but this time, even before the hearings, there are a lot more issues and rumors."

Opposition's Intense Scrutiny, Ruling Party's Strong Defense

The People Power Party maintains the position that not only Kim Seungwon but also other ministerial nominees should resign due to alleged unsuitability. They are expected to focus their scrutiny on Kim Seungwon in particular, raising questions about suspected lobbying for approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, as well as issues related to his family's business and the withdrawal of indictments. However, since key witnesses for the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of National Defense hearings failed to be summoned, there are concerns that the hearings could lack substance. One People Power Party lawmaker on the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee commented, "Just because you don't get a spoon, doesn't mean you won't eat," adding, "Even without witnesses, we will do everything we can."

The Democratic Party of Korea is determined to hold on to the remaining nominees. In the case of Kim Seungwon, who is likely to be the main target of the broader opposition's attacks, the party is building a defensive line, highlighting the significance of completing prosecutorial reform and pointing out that the lobbying allegations regarding the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety resulted only in a suspension of indictment. Chief spokesperson Park Sungjun said on CBS Radio on this day, "Over the three years, prosecutors under the Yoon Sukyeol administration have already thoroughly investigated (Kim)," adding, "The (lobbying) allegations should be put to rest." However, within the party, some voices are calling for improvements in the personnel appointment process and increased communication with the presidential office.

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