Repeated Apologies for "Embarrassment" Over Personal Allegations
Raised Voice Saying "Unrelated to Me" Amid Daughter and Son-in-Law's Lime Fund Favoritism Allegations
Apology to Park Won-soon's Victims... Reflecting on "Lack of Gender Sensitivity"
"Cryptocurrency Market Regulation? Government Irresponsible"
Reviewing Measures to Mandate 'Vaccine Leave'
On the 6th, Kim Boo-kyum, the nominee for Prime Minister, attended the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] Prime Minister nominee Kim Boo-kyum evaluated the question from People Power Party lawmaker Cho Soo-jin at the parliamentary confirmation hearing on the 6th, asking, "Isn't text bombing totalitarianism?" as "It is not a democratic method."
On the same day, regarding the expression of dissatisfaction through 'text bombing' by some enthusiastic supporters of the Democratic Party of Korea, Kim expressed a negative view, saying, "I don't think it is a democratic method as I have known so far."
In response to the criticism that "the Democratic Party is pushing legislation unilaterally in the National Assembly," Kim agreed, saying, "If bills that directly affect people's lives had been matured a little more and the ruling and opposition parties had engaged in dialogue, it would have helped the public accept them."
Kim bowed his head, saying "I am ashamed" in response to various personal allegations against him.
He apologized for referring to the late former Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon’s sexual violence victim as a "complainant who claims to be a victim" last July, saying, "I lacked a lot of gender sensitivity."
Regarding the criticism that he and his spouse habitually delayed paying automobile taxes and fines, which was pointed out as a lack of compliance awareness, he repeatedly emphasized, "I feel ashamed as a public office candidate."
He also said about confessing to a history of school violence in a past book, "I truly reflect and repent."
Regarding the suspicion that his daughter’s family received special favors by joining the Lime Fund, he drew a clear line, saying, "What relation does that favor have with me?" and stated it was unrelated to him.
When asked, "One might think you exerted external pressure for your son-in-law’s family, but have you ever called anyone related to the Lime Fund?" Kim answered, "Not at all."
When some opposition party hearing members laughed at Kim’s answer, he protested, saying, "I am not here to be ridiculed."
Regarding the criticism that "you held a drinking party in Daegu during the nationwide heavy rain damage last year," he responded, "I had dinner, but it is unfair to call it a drinking party."
On the allegations of admission corruption involving former Justice Minister Cho Kuk’s children, he replied, "I especially regret that it caused various wounds to the younger generation."
He gave candid answers on current issues.
Regarding policies to support military service members, Kim emphasized, "The state should recognize the efforts of young people who have sacrificed part of their lives for the country and provide at least minimal benefits in various forms," and announced that he would seek ways to expand 'step increments' (seniority pay).
He also argued that "the constitutional system grants too much power and burden to the president and holds them excessively responsible," calling for a decentralized constitutional amendment.
On the controversy surrounding cryptocurrency market regulation, he evaluated the government's attitude as irresponsible.
Kim said, "More than 4 million people are actually participating in (cryptocurrency) trading, so it is irresponsible for the government to say, 'You handle it yourselves,'" and added, "We will monitor it accurately and transparently."
Kim also stated that if he becomes prime minister, he would consider mandating the granting of 'vaccine leave' in addition to existing annual leave and other vacations.
Regarding the pardon theory for Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, he answered, "When I meet with economic figures, I will organize their understanding of the situation well and convey it properly to the president."
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