[Moon 4th Anniversary Speech] Moon: "Opposition's Objection Doesn't Mean Verification Failure... Competent People Must Be Selected" (Summary)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun and Park Joon-yi] President Moon Jae-in addressed the 'ministerial candidate disqualification controversy' raised mainly by the opposition, stating, "I do not consider it a failure of verification just because the opposition party opposes." He also pointed out the shortcomings of the confirmation hearing system, saying, "The next government, regardless of who takes power, should have hearings that can select more competent individuals."

President Moon made these remarks during a press conference held on the 10th to mark the 4th anniversary of his inauguration, saying, "Each of the current candidates has reasons and abilities for being selected by the Blue House."

He said, "The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport must carry out housing supply policies without disruption at this point, and the Ministry and LH Corporation must be reformed," adding, "We carefully considered who outside the Ministry could have the necessary capabilities, and after much deliberation, we selected the current candidates."

He continued, "Regarding the candidate for Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, they played a significant role in rebuilding our shipping industry, which declined after the bankruptcy of Hanjin Shipping," and added, "The candidate for Minister of Science and ICT also possesses excellent scientific and technological capabilities. As our semiconductor, artificial intelligence, and digital economy innovations rapidly grow, there is a shortage of experts who can handle these tasks."

Regarding the only female ministerial candidate, Im Hye-sook, he explained, "Science and technology is a field with the lowest female participation," and said, "We nominated a female candidate with many thoughts in mind because successful women serve as inspirations and role models."

President Moon stated, "The Blue House received materials held by the government and used them as basic data, but this verification cannot be perfect," adding, "Since the adoption of the National Assembly's confirmation hearing report will be decided by today, we will make a comprehensive judgment including the National Assembly's discussions."

He also criticized the confirmation hearings as being conducted in a 'humiliating' manner. President Moon said, "With the current humiliating confirmation hearing system, it is impossible to select truly talented individuals," and added, "The President really wants to appoint competent ministers and aides, and the public probably thinks so too."

He continued, "Even those willing to take the risk give up when the verification questions extend to their spouses and children, saying it is difficult to cause trouble for their families," and added, "While moral verification is important, I hope the hearings improve to have private sessions for morality checks and public sessions focusing on policy capabilities, so that both can be weighed together."

Regarding the most regrettable issue over the past four years, he cited the real estate problem, saying, "We failed to achieve the goal of stabilizing real estate prices and received severe judgment in the recent by-elections," and listed the 2017 North Korean nuclear crisis, the 2019 Japanese export controls on semiconductor materials, and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic as major crises.

President Moon said, "During each crisis, there have always been behaviors that amplified the crisis and anxiety, and even promoted conflict and division," adding, "It is absolutely unacceptable to deny or underestimate the great achievements made by the people."