Opposition: "Unfit Trends in Ministry of Science, Oceans, and Land... Calls for Im Hye-sook's Voluntary Resignation"

Minister of Science and ICT nominee Lim Hye-sook is attending the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 4th, responding to questions from lawmakers. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The opposition party is leaning towards issuing a negative opinion on the confirmation reports for candidates Im Hye-sook for the Ministry of Science and ICT, Park Jun-young for the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, and Noh Hyung-wook for the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. The opposition believes that all three candidates have disqualifying factors, with Im's issues being particularly serious.

According to a key member of the People Power Party on the 5th, "The issue of the confirmation reports will be decided by gathering opinions from the floor leaders and standing committees at the party meeting on the 6th," adding, "In terms of severity, the order is Im, Park, then Noh."

The official stated, "All three candidates have many problems, but there are differences in the degree of seriousness," and "We will raise strong objections regarding this matter."

An opposition member of the Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Committee, which handled Im's confirmation hearing, said, "He is an unqualified candidate," and added, "Im is considered the top candidate for disqualification." The official also said, "We have given time to the government and ruling party," and "A final decision will be made tomorrow." Another member of the People Power Party conveyed a strong internal backlash, saying, "Im should voluntarily resign."

An opposition member of the Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock, Food, and Maritime Affairs Committee, which conducted Park's confirmation hearing, said, "There is a high opinion of disqualification." However, the official noted, "Since the issues raised concern the spouse and the candidate has promised to take measures with the Customs Service regarding the shortcomings, these factors need to be considered."

The confirmation hearings for candidates Moon Seung-wook for the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and Ahn Kyung-duk for the Ministry of Employment and Labor, held the previous day, proceeded relatively smoothly. Moon's confirmation report was adopted on the day of the hearing by the National Assembly's Trade, Industry, Energy, Small and Medium Business Committee, which oversaw the hearing.

Ahn's confirmation report is also likely to be adopted. An opposition member of the Environment and Labor Committee said, "There is a strong trend toward adopting the report," and added, "A conclusion will be reached at the full committee meeting on the 6th."