Jeong Sye-gyun Confirmation Hearing Day 2, Opposition's Sharp Scrutiny Continues... Appointment Approval Expected to Face Difficulties

Prime Minister nominee Jeong Sye-gyun is attending the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 8th, responding to questions from lawmakers. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Kang Nahum, Won Dara, Jeon Jinyoung] On the second day of the confirmation hearing for Prime Minister nominee Chung Sye-kyun on the 8th, the opposition party continued rigorous scrutiny of the nominee's morality and qualifications.

On this day, Rep. Joo Ho-young of the Liberty Korea Party said, "Even after three years of the Moon Jae-in administration, there are many harsh criticisms that it is denying Korea's achievements and dismantling the existing system in various aspects such as ongoing purges of deep-rooted evils, communication breakdown with the opposition, national unity issues, economic policy problems, interference in the Ulsan mayoral election, and judicial control." He added, "There are concerns that the nominee, despite having the authority to check the president, is acting as a 'yes-man' to curry favor with the president and advance his political position."

In response, the nominee said, "As I mentioned yesterday, I have declared that I will speak frankly to the president. I intend to continue doing so." He added, "Evaluations of the president will vary greatly depending on political factions, generations, and individuals. We must listen carefully to unfavorable evaluations of the president and communicate accordingly."

Regarding Rep. Joo's continued criticism that "the government is begging North Korea for peace," the nominee said, "It is fortunate that amid a hair-trigger crisis between the two Koreas, dialogue, summit meetings, and peaceful resolution phases have been created." He continued, "The government is preparing to establish a strong defense, increasing the defense budget and strengthening military capabilities, while also cooperating with the international community, including the United States."

Rep. Sung Il-jong of the Liberty Korea Party launched an offensive by mentioning the lawsuit the nominee filed against Sisa Journal. Earlier, Sisa Journal reported in March 2018 that in June 2014, the nominee researched ways to sell the Songdo building to POSCO at a higher price at the request of an acquaintance named Park. The nominee filed a correction and damages lawsuit but lost in the first and second trials. Rep. Sung pointed out, "If the Supreme Court does not overturn the ruling, the nominee, who is to become the highest-ranking public official who must comply with the law, would have violated the Constitution and the National Assembly Act."

The nominee responded, "That trial was to restore my damaged reputation, not about the POSCO sale. I hope you understand the matter clearly. Just because Rep. Sung thinks there is a problem does not mean there is one."

Rep. Kim Hyun-ah of the Liberty Korea Party expressed concern about the nominee's interference in the general election. She said, "There are concerns that once becoming prime minister, under the pretext of field-centered administration, he will travel nationwide to support election campaigns and indulge in populist administration." She asked, "Can you promise not to conduct elections with government power?"

The nominee replied, "It is illegal for the prime minister to interfere in elections, and I do not want to do so." When Rep. Kim insisted again, "Please refrain from unnecessary local visits until before the general election," he emphasized, "It is inappropriate to discuss schedules. I will not commit illegal acts nor intend to interfere in the election."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Despite these exchanges, the nominee's confirmation hearing is evaluated to have proceeded in a relatively mild atmosphere compared to those of Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae and former Justice Minister Cho Kuk.

The previous day, Liberty Korea Party members began their questions by saying, "A senior I have always respected" (Rep. Joo Ho-young) and "Someone I personally respect and have a close relationship with" (Rep. Sung Il-jong). Although the nominee scolded the opposition at times, the hearing continued without disruption. A National Assembly official said, "Since the nominee is a former Speaker of the National Assembly, opposition members might have felt burdened to attack indiscriminately."

Meanwhile, interest is growing in the feasibility of the 'cooperative cabinet' the nominee revealed the previous day. The nominee stated, "After the 21st general election, I plan to actively propose to the president the formation of a 'cooperative cabinet' that various parties can participate in."

When asked for specifics, he explained, "It does not mean a national unity cabinet. We need to form a cooperative cabinet with 'political factions' that can take responsibility for and operate state affairs together with the ruling party so that the people can get what they need."

This is not the first time the ruling party has considered a cooperative cabinet. Early in the Moon Jae-in administration, Rep. Yoo Seung-min of the New Conservative Party and Rep. Shim Sang-jung of the Justice Party were mentioned for cabinet posts, and in 2018, Rep. Park Sun-sook of the Bareunmirae Party was rumored for Environment Minister. However, the Blue House denied these each time, and the opposition showed lukewarm responses, causing the plans to fade away. This time, the nominee limited the cooperative cabinet to 'political factions' that can work with the ruling party. If the ruling party wins a near-majority landslide or progressive parties do not advance in the general election, questions about the necessity of a cooperative cabinet within the ruling party may arise.

Also, the political circle is skeptical about the nominee's proposal of Sweden's 'Thursday Club' as a dialogue model presented on the same day. This model was devised by former Swedish Prime Minister Tage Erlander (in office 1946?1969), who, during a period of intense left-right conflict in Sweden, held weekly Thursday dinners to create a communication platform among labor, management, and government. Considering that even the 'Ruling and Opposition Council,' which includes the Blue House and party leaders, is currently inactive, it is pointed out that such a dialogue model will be difficult to realize.

Meanwhile, attention is also on whether the confirmation hearing report will be adopted and the nomination approved by the National Assembly. For now, both ruling and opposition parties plan to attempt adopting the confirmation hearing report after the hearing ends. However, given the strong opposition attacks from the Liberty Korea Party over issues such as the separation of powers violation and plagiarism controversies, the likelihood of adoption is not high. The nomination, expected to be submitted to the plenary session on the 13th, is also forecasted to face difficulties during the voting and approval process for the same reasons.