Speaker Park Byeong-seok: "Prime Minister and Minister Appointments Must Reach a Reasonable Conclusion Reflecting the People's Will"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] On the 13th, National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seok requested that the ruling and opposition floor leaders reach a conclusion at the meeting scheduled for 1 p.m. regarding the confirmation of Prime Minister nominee Kim Bu-gyeom and three minister nominees Im Hye-sook, Park Jun-young, and Noh Hyeong-uk.

On the same day, Speaker Park told Yoon Ho-jung, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, who visited the Speaker's office in the morning, "You must have listened to the voices of the people regarding the ministerial appointments, and I ask you to promptly make a proper decision that aligns with the will of the people."

He stated, "It is not right for the National Assembly to leave the position of Prime Minister, who oversees the entire state affairs, vacant for a long time amid discussions on COVID-19 and livelihood issues," and added, "President Moon Jae-in will visit the United States next week, and the people will not accept having neither the President nor the Prime Minister present." He continued, "I hope a conclusion will be reached promptly on this matter."

Addressing the opposition party, he said, "Kim Ki-hyeon, the acting leader and floor leader of the People Power Party, will also be present at 1 p.m. today," and emphasized, "I strongly urge that a conclusion be reached at that meeting."

Floor leader Yoon responded, "I take Speaker Park's words seriously and will immediately convey your intentions to President Moon."