Kim Boo-kyum Strongly Denies 'Lime Allegations'... On Presidential Bid Question, "My Last Public Office"

Ha Tae-kyung "Let's Pass It Boldly"

Prime Minister nominee Kim Boo-kyum is attending the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 7th, responding to questions from lawmakers. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Boryeong] Prime Minister nominee Kim Boo-kyum strongly refuted the controversy over his daughter's involvement in the 'Lime Fund' that resurfaced on the second day of the confirmation hearing. The Democratic Party of Korea focused on 'defense,' stating that the issue was unrelated to Kim.

At the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 7th, Kim responded to questions related to the Lime Fund by saying, "If you draw a picture about an area I absolutely cannot know and say 'Isn't it not even this?' I don't know what to say." The opposition party has raised suspicions that Kim's second daughter and son-in-law received special favors by subscribing to Lime Asset Management's private fund 'Thetis No. 11.' They claim that the fund was tailored specifically for the second daughter's family. In response, Kim argued, "The economic actor is the son-in-law, so calling it the nominee's daughter's family is a kind of frame."

The Democratic Party actively defended Kim, saying the matter did not concern him personally. Democratic Party lawmaker Kang Sun-woo pointed out, "I don't understand why this question is coming up at the nominee's hearing," adding, "It is a matter of a family that has become independent and supports itself, and the nominee could not have known about it. Questioning the fund's composition and operation at the hearing seems to have little relevance."

The opposition party did not back down, maintaining that Kim lacks the qualifications for approval that meet the public's expectations. They have been issuing daily statements highlighting serious problems, including the Lime Fund. However, within the People Power Party, there are opinions that Kim should be approved and that focus should shift to vetting other ministerial nominees. They judge that Kim has relatively fewer flaws compared to other nominees. On the same day, People Power Party lawmaker Ha Tae-kyung appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and said, "I hope they pass him without a thorough hearing," adding, "Kim has been in politics for a long time and is someone we know well." Regarding questions about running for president, Kim drew a line, saying, "I have been in politics for just over 30 years. I think this is the last public office given to me, and I am ready to work."